Base Metals and Minerals

Analysts have slashed Alumina’s earnings in the wake of its FY07 result, but six out of ten retain a Buy.

The Dow opened down but closed up – a mere 452 point rally ensuing in the middle. It was all to do with bond insurance.

The market asked and the Fed delivered another 50 basis points in the wake of an ugly fourth quarter GDP.

The Dow closes mildly higher as the world looks to tonight’s Fed announcement. Base metals go for a run.

The Dow closed up 176 points on some weak housing data, and hence growing expectation of a 50 point rate cut.

The Dow opened up 100 points on Friday before profit-taking kicked in and a steady decline eventually saw a close down 171.

Barclays Capital suggests rather than reducing exposure to commodities when volatility increases it should be retained as there is little link between equity market and commodity price returns.

The Dow managed to add another 100 tenuous points as the Bush Administration steps up its fiscal rescue.

While Kagara Zinc’s production for the quarter met expectations lower metal prices are impacting on earnings, but this is disguising the company’s prospects according to ABN Amro.

Oxiana’s quarterly production report disappointed most in the market triggering cuts to earnings foreasts but expected strong production growth from 2009 sees a number of brokers keeping the faith.