China hikes rare earth prices by 45%

One of China’s biggest rare earth producers has hiked prices significantly, underscoring tightening market conditions and high geopolitical tensions in the midst of a raging conflict in the Middle East. On Friday, China Northern Rare Earth Group said it had set its rare earth concentrate transaction price for the second quarter at 38,804 yuan (about US$5,390) per tonne, excluding tax, …

Continue Reading

Aluminium prices hit four-year high on Hormuz disruption risk

Aluminium prices rallied again on Monday, hitting their highest in over four years, as ongoing disruptions to flows along the Strait of Hormuz continued to alter the supply-demand balance. Failed peace talks between the US and Iran, and threats by president Donald Trump for a full blockade of the Strait, pushed three-month aluminium futures on the LME 1.7% higher to …

Continue Reading

What’s Next for Gold & Silver

The 2006 Halfway Point During the last major bull market, gold spiked to $730 in 2006 and then consolidated for 16 months before resuming its uptrend. That marked the halfway point of the decade-long bull run. The 2026 Halfway Point? A repeat of the 2006 halfway pattern in 2026 would suggest gold remains range-bound between $4,000 and $5,600 into 2027, before entering …

Continue Reading

EU, US near critical minerals pact to counter China’s grip

The European Union and the US are nearing a deal to coordinate critical minerals production and supply chains, aiming to reduce reliance on China. The proposed agreement, reported by Bloomberg News on Friday, would introduce incentives such as minimum pricing mechanisms to support non-Chinese suppliers, according to a draft action plan seen by the news outlet.  The plan also calls for cooperation …

Continue Reading

Oil Prices Surge Again – What It Means For Gold, Silver, And Crypto

Brent crude recently surged past the $100 threshold before a fleeting de-escalation pulled prices back toward $94. However, the respite proved temporary. Crude is once again on an upward trajectory, with Brent trading at $97.71 and WTI closely trailing at $97.40. This renewed momentum suggests that market participants remain deeply skeptical regarding the resolution of supply-side risks. With the Strait of Hormuz …

Continue Reading

Can Philippines become critical minerals powerhouse with help from US, Japan?

To curb China’s dominance in the sector, Manila has to cut red tape and fight corruption to draw US and Japanese investors. The US and Japan have an ambition to transform the Philippines into a critical minerals powerhouse and cut their reliance on China as part of a broader economic partnership, but analysts warn that a lack of commitment by Manila to introduce comprehensive reforms and tackle …

Continue Reading

Copper: From laggard to potential outperformer – Commerzbank

Commerzbank’s Thu Lan Nguyen notes Copper has turned into a top performer after being one of the weakest metals, pressured by rising LME stocks and mixed supply news. Possible stock sales and a Panama mine restart could cap prices near term, but sharply lower Chilean output suggests supply worries may dominate once growth fears ease, supporting higher Copper prices longer term. …

Continue Reading

Why Gold Is Surging With Silver and Why Experts Predict $7,000 Price in 2026

Gold surged to $4,850 per ounce today (Wednesday), April 8, 2026, gaining over 3% as the US-Iran two-week ceasefire triggered a sharp reversal in the dollar and oil markets. Silver outperformed with a nearly 7% rally to $77 per ounce, its highest level since March 18. The ceasefire announcement followed President Trump’s acceptance of a 10-point Iranian proposal as a …

Continue Reading

Rare earths need $60bn financing overhaul as China threat looms: IEA

International Energy Agency warns that China’s continued dominance of rare earth material supply chains is putting up to $6.5tr of global economic activity at risk every year. Around $60bn of investment is needed over the next decade to develop more diversified rare earth supply chains for clean and digital technologies, as China’s continuing dominance of these critical markets. Chinese export …

Continue Reading