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Report On Base Metals  01/09

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Global demand

Base metals demand is boosted up and supported by the Chinese economy data, PMI index rising to 51.6, from 51.1. This morning the prices were up average 0.1%.

 

Nickel prices were upside than down finishing with the 0.8% gain. Following with tin price up about 0.3%, while aluminium lifts up for 0.2%.

Copper price came off 0.1%, leveling $6,812 per tonne. Lead and Zinc were off 0.2%.
Trade average Volume  is with 6,588 lots as of 07:13 BST.

The Following results are coming after Thursday. When base metals closed at average 1.2% up. Zinc yesterday rose for 2.4%. Nickel and Al were up 1.6%… Tin was little changed…

 

Precious metals

Prices saw a slight volatility, with gold prices at $1,320 per oz. The palladium prices are off 0.2% at $933.50 per oz.

“This came after a day of strength on Thursday when the complex closed up an average of 0.8%, helped by a reversal in intraday dollar strength on benign inflation data. “ (Fast Markets)

 

SHFE

In The SHFE trade this morning, base metals are up across the board with average gains of 0.9%.

Nickel prices rose for 1.8%. Copper prices are lagging behind with a 0.2% gain to 52,740 yuan ($8,013) per tonne, as other metals play catch-up with it.

Changjiang spot copper prices are little changed at 52,540-52,680 yuan per tonne. While the London/Shanghai copper arb ratio is weaker at 7.74 (7.77).

Steel rebar prices on the SHFE are up a whopping 6.1%, while gold and silver prices are up by 0.7% and 0.2% respectively.

Iron ore prices, for January delivery, are up 4.5% at 584 yuan per tonne on the Dalian Commodity Exchange.

 

International markets

 

In international markets, speaking about Oil prices.. Spot Brent crude oil prices are off 0.2% at $52.64 per barrel. The yield on US ten-year treasuries has eased to 2.13%. Due to the German ten-year bund yield, which has fallen to 0.36%.

Indexes

Equities in Asia are for the most part slightly firmer this morning – both the Nikkei and the ASX 200 are up 0.2%. The Hang Seng is up 0.1%, and the CSI 300 little changed, while the Kospi is off 0.2%. In the USA, the Dow Jones closed up 0.25% at 21,948.10 on Thursday.

Euro Stoxx 50 closed up 0.52% at 3,421.47.

Observing the dollar index, it spike up to 93.35 on Thursday, before closing at 92.61, it was recently quoted at 92.77 as it consolidates ahead of today’s US employment report. The report is likely to spark a reaction from traders as they adjust their view on likely Fed monetary policy. A good report could make the market think the Fed will turn more hawkish again. This could give the dollar a lift and that could weigh on metal prices.

Currencies are recent movements are: The euro at 1.1883 is correcting some of its recent gains, the yen at 110.17 is consolidating, as are sterling at 1.2915 and the Australian dollar at 0.7935.

In emerging market currencies, the yuan is stronger at 6.5809 – another sign of confidence in the economy and for the most part the other currencies we follow are flat-to-firm. Although the peso is slightly weaker.

Finishing,

Aluminium and nickel prices have now joined copper prices in pushing the envelope on the upside and zinc prices are close to following.  Furthermore, lead and tin prices are still lagging behind. Good data out of China and a weak dollar are supporting the firmer tones in the base metals. The recent rallies are looking quite stretched, although there have been bouts of consolidation along the way.

A huge part of metal movement depends on dollar. If it avoids rebounding, then the high price levels will likely scale up selling. Then the upside movement is about to grow.

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Electric Cars market boosting the demand for base metals

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Intro

Logical level up, but also very important fact to be aware of: Electric vehicles market is boosting growth, the new technologies are entering the big door everywhere.

Firstly, the use of batteries is pushing base metals demand from across the sea. South32, australian-based miner buoyed by an 8-fold leap in annual profit. 

Secondly, mining and metal producing companies are very inspired with current situation. Their profits are doubtlessly rising.

 

South 32’s position

Following, South 32 is a base metal and coal mining company. It has wide exposure to aluminium and nickel. Now, their Cannington mine in Australia enters the list of world’s largest sources of nickel, silver and lead.

“If you look at the metals we produce, they are either used in renewables or battery technology.” (South32 CEO)

“We are looking to add more base metals exposure to the group… We do see battery technology having an impact over time.”

Company’s profit

“South32 posted fiscal 2017 underlying profit of $1.15 billion, up from $138 million the previous year.” (Source – Reuters)

 

Glencore’s position 

Thirdly, Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg also frequently said that the coming large-scale usage of electric vehicles and energy storage systems will definitely unlock consequential new sources of demand for copper, cobalt, zinc and nickel.

This electric vehicles phenomena is influencing the world’s largest miner BHP to invest heavily in its nickel business.

“While South32 was prepared to supply a host of metals used in making batteries for electric vehicles and other systems, it sees overcapacity in lithium, the driving component of the burgeoning lithium-ion battery technology.” (Reuters)

By Morgan Stanley’s forecast the use of electric cars is going to rise to the immense number of 99 million new vehicles in 2020! 

 

Consequences and market Influence

Having in mind that the electric vehicles are our close future.. and that the environmental development depends on this… We should be aware that the consequences of these changes will push the demand for the base metals up, and in case nothing serious changes in world’s macroeconomic movements in recent months/years; the nickel, zinc and lead traders will witness very bright outcomes.

In conclusion, as South32’s promise explains:

“Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources. Improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. Owners trust us and partners realise the potential of their resources.”

For further info on this subject visit: https://www.south32.net

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New Mining deals: Indonesian government & PT Freeport Indonesia

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Intro

Indonesian Energy Minister announced on Tuesday that Indonesia highly expects to conclude the deals with Freeport McMoRan Inc. About operating in one of their biggest copper mines in Papua. The cooperation should take place in the upcoming decades.

The country’s mining and energy minister announced these ideas.

Speaking about the U.S. deals with Indonesia, the country’s mining giant was in a slight quarrel with Indonesia over the rights at Grasberg mine. This dispute is making huge costs for both sides, and these are estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.

When reporters asked Minister Ignasius Jonan about the status of current deals & negotiations, he said:

“I expect to have a conclusion this month!” (Jonan says for Reuters) 

 

Mining Permits 

In July this year, Richard Adkerson (FPT CEO) said he for sure expects to conclude this special mining permit before October this year.

“Jonan said, when they finalize the agreement,  and allow Freeport all the needed permits.. They could apply for two 10-year permit extensions to mine at Grasberg beyond 2021.” (Reuters)

Regarding the new rules in Indonesia: Miners have to divest 51% stake, pay taxes and royalties. And in the end they have to relinquish arbitration rights. Freeport insists on all participants to follow these rules.

Reporters asked Mr Jonan did Freeport accepted these 51% divestment, and he said:

“Well if they don’t, they can go. We don’t negotiate that.” (Jonan for Reuters)

 

Real Inside Relations

With the beginning of current year Freeport said talks are in blind alley, and reminded they could do lots of damage for both sides. Then The government explained that they could solve this subject even in court if necessary.

“We will listen. We will accommodate as much as we can, but we cannot accommodate something that is clearly written in the law.” (Jonan for Reuters)

Clearly he wanted to emphasize their willingness to cooperate, but only in the possibilities of legal deals.

Riza Pratama (FT spokesman) said the negotiations with the government are ongoing. And they will soon be concluded clearly if both sides respect the main point.

“(The) four issues in the negotiations are one package deal. Divestment is one of the four issues.”

Real effects

Is he concerned that these happenings could result with some agitated movement inside Papua mine… Pratama says: “I don’t think so … it’s an internal labor issue inside Freeport’s operations.”

 

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SHFE: Copper Prices retreat, Other base metals divergent

Base metals prices and trends on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were on different paths this morning. Copper prices leveled higher after the dollar pulled-back on an uncertain outlook for post-June US rate rises.
”The most-traded July copper contract on the SHFE rose 140 yuan ($20) or 0.3% to 45,920 yuan per tonne as of 03:26 BST. Around 115,000 lots of the contract have changed hands so far. ” (Metal Bulletin)

In the meantime, the three-month copper contract on the LME rose $13 to $5,695 per tonne.

“The weaker US dollar has provided SHFE copper prices with support but the decline in Chinese refined copper imports in April will limit how much prices can rebound…”

Observing the dollar index, it again came under pressure falling as low as 96.96 on Thursday. This happened after the US FOMC May meeting minutes showed some doubts over the odds for US rate increases post-June.

In terms of FOMC minutes, they “were interpreted cautiously by the market as confirming the likelihood of a June rate hike. But also showing some uncertainty over the trajectory for rates thereafter.” The main source of uncertainty is coming from the inflation outlook. National Australia Bank said this morning.

Crude oil prices continued to find back-up in expectations that members of the OPEC will agree to extend their supply cut into next year during their meeting in Vienna today.

Copper

 
Observing the Chinese refined copper imports, they fell 40.7% year-on-year to 202,654 tonnes last month. But at the same time, copper concentrate imports rose 7.7% year-on-year. Observed m-o-m, they fell 16.9%-  to 1.36 million tonnes in April.
Later, The SHFE-LME copper arbitrage remained at a loss on Wednesday. Leveling at $112 per tonne.  While the zinc arbitrage was profitable at $119.
Speaking about copper stocks, the total copper stocks at LME stockrooms fell a net 4,200 tonnes. To a level of 325,675 tonnes on Wednesday.

Other base metals mostly lower


Firsly, the july aluminium contract on SHFE fell 30 yuan or 0.2% to 13,955 yuan per tonne.  Secondly, july zinc price gained 65 yuan or 0.3% to 22,450 yuan per tonne. Thirdly, july lead price decreased 60 yuan or 0.4% to 15,870 yuan per tonne. Following, the nickel contract slipped 120 yuan or 0.2% to 76,150 yuan per tonne. And finally the SHFE September tin price increased 450 yuan or 0.3% to 144,740 yuan per tonne.

Currencies & data  

The Brent crude oil spot price rose 1.2% to $54.48 per barrel as of 03:20 BST on Thursday.

This morning, the dollar index was 0.06% higher. At the level of 97.01 as of 03:20 BST on Thursday. Shanghai Composite index stood at 3,070.32 recently, up 0.2% at 10:18 Shanghai time.
Also worth mentioning, the US existing home sales in April reached 5.57 million. It is below both the forecast of 5.65 million and April’s reading of 5.71 million. While U.S. weekly crude oil inventories fell 4.4 million barrels, far more than expectations of a decline of 2.4 million barrels and the previous week’s reading of a 1.8 million-barrel decline.
UK will announce its second estimate GDP while the USA will release unemployment claims, goods trade balance and preliminary wholesale inventory later today.

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April Copper imports in China: Fall of 41% due to tighter financial regulation

May 23rd; Main events in financial market:

  • Sterling slips after deadly Manchester terror attack
  • Global stocks mixed in cautions trade
  • Oil price oscillates as OPEC meeting draws closer
  • Euro zone business activity rises at fastest pace since 2011
  • Bitcoin keeps growing; tops $2,200

For further info on these subjects, visit: www.investing.com

 

The monthly analysis

Firstly, if compared to a period of year ago, China’s refined copper imports fell by 41%. This shows that traders buying power was affected by strained access to credit.

The China’s imports of refined copper fell down to 202,645 tonnes previous month. It is the lowest level seen since February. And compared to March levels, it sees the 18 % down.

Observing the January – April period, China’s refined copper imports have slumped. Coming to the lower levels of 31 percent compared to the last year. Those were impacted partly byChina’s credits & because short-term interest rates and banks became more reluctant to lend.

“In general, metals traders have been suffering from rising financing costs, fierce competition and a slowing economy.” Said JP Morgan in a report.

 

Chinese banks & credits

“While Chinese banks have anecdotally been maintaining existing credit lines for metals-based companies, it has become increasingly hard to get approval for new lines of credit.” (Reuters)

China’s top leadership and their officials have set list of priorities in country’s economy, aimed for this year. The main priority is indentifying the containment of financial risks and asset bubbles. Due to this, China has elevated the short-term interest rates.

It continued with imports of more copper scrap. Those imports were up in the first four months of the year, for 18 percent. That happened after the surge in prices of late last year encouraged and gave a support to a flood of scrap metal back into the market.

 

Concentrate imports

Observing the copper concentrate imports: They continued to grow, even in April. When compared to a period of year ago, they were up 7.7 percent. And they are in line with the year’s trend.

The slight decline in production happened in Chile, caused by a strike earlier this year. But this was more than offset by almost 60 percent jump in imports from Peru. Which than compensated the amounts, and brought a certain balance to the market. However, China’s imports went way lower.

China’s exports of refined copper fell in April from the same month year earlier. But on the other side, they are now at nearly 125,000 tonnes . Which is up 65 percent if observed year to date.

Copper is one of the most ”popular” amid base metals and their trade. China has definitely set a list of priorities in order to stabilize the market. And precisely wants to see if the parts of financial regulation are doing fine with the market aims. What is the key which will connect all the market participants, and bring the balance to country’s imports, exports, trades, production, and all the accompanying businesses, the time will soon show.

 

 

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SHFE morning trade: Copper up due to Lower production in Chile

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Main Economic Events Today:

  • China Industrial Production y-o-y fell to actual 6.5%, while expected was 7.1%
  • United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May Speaks

This Week:

  • Empire State, Philly Fed Manufacturing for May
  • April China Industrial Production
  • Euro Zone Q1 GDP – Revised Reading
  • K. April CPI, Employment & Retail Sales
  • Japan Preliminary First Quarter GDP

 

Shanghai Futures Exchange

Firstly, copper prices on the SHFE recovered during morning trading on May 15. Due to the news that China had announced more funding for its One Belt One Road initiative. Copper price was as well impacted by reports of lower production in Chile.

The most-traded July copper contract on the SHFE rose 210 yuan per tonne to 45,240 yuan per tonne as of 10:59am Shanghai time.

Secondly, Chinese president Xi Jinping said One Belt One Road plan aims to connect China with Europe, Asia and Africa through various infrastructure projects.

 “The Belt and Road initiative, which was first proposed in 2013, offers the world’s second largest economy a chance to consolidate its political presence in the region. Additionally, the initiative provides China’s battered commodity intensive sectors, many of which are struggling to contain overcapacity, a lifeline to remain relevant for years to come.” (CBA Commodities)

“China has already committed $50 billion to date and that could grow exponentially in the next 5 years. The initiative, which could cost over $1 trillion, is clearly positive for commodity consumption. We note that construction will take place over decades. Realistically gather momentum in the 2020s and will inevitably face roadblocks from political interests of the 60 countries involved.”  (Metal Bulletin)

Thirdly, Cochico announced that copper production in Chile in 1H17 was down 14.6% year-on-year to 1.19 million tonnes, due to the strikes occurring during the period.

LME’s three-month copper contract was up $13 per tonne to $5,581 per tonne as of 03:55am London time.

SHFE, LME copper stocks fall 

Observing the open interest of the July copper contract, it was at around 219,134 position on Monday morning. Following, losses in the SHFE-LME arbitrage held at around $80 per tonne last week. Demand is keeping healthy levels due to the peak season. 
Also, deliverable copper stocks at SHFE-approved warehouses fell 20,238 tonnes or 9.4% week-on-week to 194,993 tonnes as of Friday May 12.
In the meantime, LME copper stocks fell by 7,350 tonnes to 329,375 tonnes on May 12.

Base metals broadly lower; Aluminium bit higher 

Fourthly, the SHFE July aluminium price rose 1.05% or 145 yuan to 13,975 yuan per tonne. Following, SHFE July zinc price dipped 0.09% or 25 yuan to 21,590 yuan per tonne.
Observing the July lead price, it slipped 1.05% or 170 to 15,965 yuan per tonne.
In conclusion, the SHFE September nickel price was 180 yuan or 0.23% lower at 76,830 yuan per tonne. And finishing with the SHFE September tin price who fell 1,240 yuan or 0.87% to 140,990 yuan per tonne. 


Currencies & data

 
The Brent crude oil spot price up 0.85 to $51.62 per barrel. Texas light sweet crude oil spot price also gained 0.79 to $48.59 per barrel.
Observing the Shanghai Composite, it was up 0.36% to 3.094.53. Most noteworthy, US Empire State Manufacturing Index and NAHB Housing Market Index will be released later today. The dollar index decreased 0.01% on Monday morning to 99.19.

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Asian morning trade on May 9th

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Tuesday May 9 is a day when copper prices on the SHFE went higher, speaking about Asian morning trade . There is definitely some back up in the release of China’s better-than-expected trade balance. Anyway, gains were suppressed by concerns of weakened demand from the world’s largest copper consumer.

Price of the most active SHFE June copper was up 70 yuan ($10) to 44,720 yuan per tonne. Regarding as of 03:18 BST with around 11,510 lots changing hands so far. Open interest of the contract was at around 35,660 positions.

China’s trade balance

 

China’s dollar-denominated trade balance for April stood at $38.1 billion. This is exceeding a forecast of $35.3 billion. And especially March’s balance of $23.9 billion. That is a sign of healthy boost up in imports as well as the exports.

Every way, copper prices were under pressure after the release of disappointing import data from China. These data showed total copper imports into the Asian nation fell. And they fell to their lowest level since October 2016. China’s total copper imports for April fell 33% year-on-year to 300,000 tonnes. Making them down from 450,000 tonnes in the same month last year.

“This was tempered by a strong increase in copper concentrate imports, up 7% y-o-y nevertheless ongoing supply disruptions impacting concentrate availability. Everyway, the fall in refined copper imports revived concerns about weak demand at the world’s largest consumer.” (ANZ)

In the meantime, the dollar had a step back this morning – falling 0.03% to 99.11 as of 03:18 BST . Also giving fine support to base metals prices.


Nickel prices UP due to reduced output

Firstly, The SHFE September nickel contract surged 350 yuan to 74,550 yuan per tonne.
“Nickel prices have been under pressure throughout April. This increased market participants’ appetite for dip-buying. Specially on top of which, nickel’s output was largely reduced in April.”
Secondly, China produced 12,580 tonnes of nickel in April. Which is down exactly 3,220 tonnes y-o-y. And 770 tonnes from the prior month.

“Following, the market sees a low stainless steel inventory prone with traders. There was a wave of rallies in April to May 2015 driven by low availability of stainless steel stocks in traders’ hands. So they needed to build up stocks. It is possibly an indication of better nickel demand in recent future.”

 

Other base metals going positive

Thirdly, June aluminium price was up 15 yuan to 13,675 yuan per tonne. Observing the June zinc price, it rose 135 yuan to 21,905 yuan per tonne.

In the meantime, june lead price inched up 25 yuan to 15,945 yuan per tonne. Finally, the September tin price surged 1,590 yuan to 139,990 yuan per tonne.

Currencies & data

Speaking about oil prices and currencies, the Brent crude oil spot price declined 0.2% to $49.32 per barrel. While the Texas light sweet crude oil spot price was down 0.21% at $46.42.
Observing equities, the Shanghai Composite dipped 0.16% to 3,073.76.  In data, EU Sentix investor confidence for May was better than expected at 27.4 – smashing expectations of 25.3 and up from 23.9 previously. April’s US labour market conditions index was at 3.5, remotely under the precedent month’s reading of 3.6.

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Bar nickel inch higher; beside multi-week lows, and oil price collapse

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SHFE

 

Marginally higher trade among base metals traded on the SHFE. Due to weaker dollar during Asian morning trade on Friday May 5. But there remained near multi-week lows following an overnight collapse in the oil price. Nickel took the uptrend, as expectations of increased supply continued to push prices down.

“European markets are buoyed by the prospects of centrist Emmanuel Macron winning the second round in the French presidential election on Sunday. [May 7]”

The strength in the European markets had pushed the dollar down yesterday’s night. Reaching a November 2016 low of 98.695. Dollar index had recently rebounded to 98.78 as of 04:32 BST. But it was still much lower compared with 99.38 at approximately the same time on Thursday.

Overnight Oil Collapse

Following, an overnight collapse in the price of oil continues to keep SHFE base metals prices under pressure this morning.

The oil price is now back to its lowest point since mid-November with WTI oil sitting at $45.51 a barrel and below the level that prevailed before the OPEC’s oil production ceiling. (According to NAB.)

Despite the pressure, SHFE bases metals prices are inching higher. The exception is nickel, which is bucking the uptrend based on fears over increased supply following the rejection of Regina Lopez as the Philippines Environment Minister on Wednesday May 3.


Nickel below 76,000 yuan per tonne

September nickel contract on SHFE stood at 75,340 yuan per tonne as of 03:54 BST. Down 930 yuan compared with the previous session’s close.

“Nickel led the sector lower as the market reacted to the failure of the Philippines Environment Minister to be confirmed by lawmakers. Ms Lopez had been spearheading the closure of the nickel mining industry due to new environmental laws.”
Appointment of  Lopez as DENR secretary came as a glimmer of hope for nickel prices amid a weakened Chinese stainless steel sector. Also a number of China-backed nickel pig iron projects coming on stream in Indonesia.

Since the country relaxed its ban on the export of unprocessed ores in January, Indonesia’s first nickel ore shipment arrived in China on Monday May 1.

A possibility that Indonesia may expand its export quota, is adding to fears of increased supply in the market.
Union workers at Glencore plc’s Raglan nickel mine

have voted 99.6% in favour of a strike mandate. Means that the USW’s negotiation committee for the mine has the authority to initiate a strike if they consider it suitable. The Raglan mine, located in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, produces more than 37,000 tonnes of nickel-in-concentrate annually.

Copper up marginally, but the pressure is present

June copper contract on SHFE stood at 45,200 yuan per tonne as of 03:54 BST. Up 20 yuan compared with the previous session’s close.


In the mean time, the LME’s three-month copper price stood at $5,530 per tonne as of 04:48 BST. Down 0.19% from last close.  LME copper inventories rose a net 32,925 tonnes to 317,850 tonnes, with 29,275 tonnes going into Busan, after a rise of 31,250 tonnes on Thursday.
Observing the supply side, Southern Copper said a strike at its Peruvian operations in April caused a production loss of

“only 1,418 tonnes of copper”.

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Base metal prices keeping a downward trend (info & data)

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Important to know of Today’s market:

  • European CB President Mario Draghi Speaks
  • Bank of Canada Governor Poloz Speaks
  • UK Services Purchasing Managers Index rose to actual 55.0 (forecast was 53.3)

For more info: https://www.investing.com/

 

LME Today:

All base metal prices on the London Metal Exchange humbled today in morning trade, May 4. After a significant sell-off on Wednesday that saw copper prices down 3.7% and nickel falling 3.3%.

Three-month copper price fell further this morning as it began trading below $5,600 per tonne. Nickel price fell additionaly $150 per tonne. All other base metals saw a slight decline.

Metal Bulletin senior analyst, William Adams, said:

“The battering the base metals suffered on Wednesday has poured cold water on last week’s attempted rebounds and has opened the way for more price weakness, especially in the case of nickel where prices have dropped to levels not seen since June last year.”  (Metal Bulletin)

Copper inventories on the LME have risen by over 60,000 tonnes over the last two days.

 

Copper below $5,600/t

On Wednesday, the LME copper price plummeted by over $200 per tonne at the close of trading. Three-month copper price is down $39.50 to $5,560.50 per tonne.
Copper inventories up 32,925 tonnes to 317,850 tonnes, with 29,275 of this in Busan. It follows a rise of 31,250 tonnes yesterday.

  • Reuters wrote that German copper products group Wieland will be acquiring the copper and steel tube business Wolverine Tube as part of its plans to expand internationally.

Workers at PT Freeport Indonesia still continuing with the one-month announced strike. They are persistent & not giving up their ideas. This is reducing the copper outputs. And will surely lead to lower supplies.
 

Other base metals fall

Three-month aluminium price fell $12.50 to $1,911 per tonne.  Stocks declined 1,175 tonnes to 1,609,925 tonnes. 

“Held well against yesterday’s sell off, trading in a $19 range (vs copper that spanned $196) with evidence of consumer buying via the spreads market. Light turnover in comparison to the copper and nickel.” (F.M.)
Nickel plunged another $150 to $9,080 per tonne. Yesterday nickel prices declined $285.  Inventories were up 30 tonnes to 380,502 tonnes.
The 3month zinc price fell $26.50 to $2,548.50 per tonne. Inventories for zinc fell 2,250 tonnes to 342,475 tonnes. Glencore’s zinc production rose 9% y-o-y, with the company adding that it currently has no plans to restart idled capacity in Australia and Peru.
Lead started trading today at $2,167.60 per tonne – a decline of $34.50 on yesterday’s close. Stocks were up 5,550 tonnes to 174,250 tonnes.
The three-month tin price decreased just $60 to $19,830 per tonne as it consolidates around the $19,800-19,900 mark.
Tin stocks on the LME fell to the lowest recorded since 1980 yesterday. Stocks declined a further 35 tonnes today and currently stand at 2,630 tonnes. (Numbers from Fast Markets)

Finishing

Metal Bulletin wrote an article on data about: Spanish unemployment, services PMI across Europe, data on UK lending, EU retail sales and a host of US data including: Challenger job cuts, initial jobless claims. Also non-farm productivity, labour costs, the trade balance. Paying attention to factory orders and natural gas storage. There’s many going on today, it will also be a challenging trade for next few days.

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SHFE morning report; weaker U.S. and Chinese data

Important Facts about Today’s Market:

 

  • New Zealand Employment Change QoQ rose to actual 1.2% (forecast 0.8%)
  • Germany Unemployment Change – 30K actual (forecast -10K)
  • UK Construction Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell to actual 52.2(forecast 52.4)
  • The US ADP Nonfarm Employment Change to actual 263K (forecast 187K)
  • Also US ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI fell to 55.2 (forecast 57.0)
  • US Crude Oil inventories to -3.641M while exp. was -1.661M
  • FED Statement & FED Interest Rate Decision

 

SHFE

 

Base metals today on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were broadly lower during Asian morning trade, as desolate economic data from China and the USA weighed on market sentiment.

US Car sales

Firstly, under-performance in US car sales during April combined with China’s weaker PMI data has left market participants concerned over weaker economic growth in these two countries, according to a Shenzhen-based senior analyst. 

Secondly,the perceived weakness has dampened market sentiment and sent the base metals prices into retreat this morning.

“Prices drifted lower as investors fretted about weaker than expected manufacturing activity in China. Metals also fell as US carmakers reported steeper-than-expected US sales declines, suggesting demand will be weaker in that region.”

Thirdly, sales at all six of the biggest automakers in the USA fell again in April, with each company’s figures coming in below analysts’ estimates resulting in the fourth consecutive month of falling sales in aggregate, according to National Australia Bank (NAB). (Metal Bulletin)

“On Monday, March US personal spending figures disappointed (0.0% compared with 0.2% expected) and now the new drop in car sales confirms the view that not all is well with the US consumer. The recent soft US data releases are challenging the view that a rebound in activity should be expected in [the second quarter].”

 

China

Meanwhile, China has also had its fair share of disappointing data this week.

Following, China’s official NBS manufacturing PMI fell to 51.2 in April from 51.8 in March and below market expectations of 51.6, while the country’s non-manufacturing PMI also dropped to 54.0 in April from 55.1 in the previous month. Additionally, China’s Caixin manufacturing PMI fell to 50.3 last month from 51.2 in March.

“These three numbers taken together point to the same issues, that there is a slowdown in new domestic orders, export orders are falling, there is rising unemployment and a fundamental weakening in business confidence. Also, looking at the extreme, we may have to face the fact that the Chinese economy may be starting to embrace a downtrend,” Bands Financial Ltd said on Tuesday.

 

Copper price dips

SHFE June copper contract stood at 46,610 yuan per tonne as of 03:48 London time. Down 180 yuan compared with the previous session’s close.

“Tightened credit in China during April will continue to put pressure on copper prices,” China’s Galaxy Futures said on Wednesday.
After suffering a mild downturn in April, copper is facing more headwinds going into May, according to INTL FCStone Inc analyst Edward Meir.
“The market finds itself in somewhat of a soft spot going into [the second quarter] given that the big events driving values higher last quarter, namely the Escondida and Grasberg outages, are now behind us and the next wave of labour negotiations will not take place until later this year,” Meir said. (M.B.)

In conclusion, workers at PT Freeport Indonesia have continiued a month-long strike. At the world’s second-largest copper mine Grasberg. The strike is expected to hinder expansion plans at the mine.Strikers are persistent, it is the 3rd day of protests.

 

 

 

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