The US Dollar faces a divided rate outlook as BofA delays two Fed increases, while other banks see tighter financial conditions limiting further hikes. Bank of America has shifted its forecast for the Federal Reserve’s two remaining interest-rate increases to December 2026 and March 2027, after policymakers paused rather than following September’s rise with another. The change leaves BofA expecting …
Continue ReadingCritical minerals are becoming harder to extract as aging deposits, declining ore grades and increasingly complex operations threaten the mining industry’s ability to maintain production, according to a new EY report. The Top 10 Business Risks and Opportunities in Mining and Metals report ranks operational complexity as the industry’s biggest risk for 2027, followed by capital availability, supply chain disruptions, …
Continue ReadingThe world’s largest battery maker and user, the country that dominates all alternative energy technology, is about to find out whether it could also boost its already dominant presence in a critical battery metal: lithium. China, according to a new study, could have significant, untapped resources of lithium right underneath its battery factories. The possibility was detailed in a recent …
Continue ReadingGold has traditionally been one of the most popular ways for investors to gain commodity exposure, but its recent weakness highlights the differences across various commodities. While precious metals have struggled, energy and certain agricultural commodities have seen stronger returns. Existing diversified strategies are also giving investors more ways to access commodities beyond traditional gold funds. Key Takeaways: Commodity performance …
Continue ReadingCopper prices are set to stay near record highs next year as new mines struggle to keep pace with demand from power grids and data centres, the World Bank forecasts. The bank raised its 2027 copper price estimate 18% from April to $13,000 (C$18,250) per tonne, or about $5.90 per lb., in its October outlook, released Wednesday. That’s only 1.5% …
Continue ReadingAhead of Montreal summit, both sides agree they need to break free of China and Trump’s tariffs – but years of talks have yet to produce a real investment. “There’s a lot of money to be made here. They say critical minerals are the new oil,” said Ronald Ewasiuk, mayor of Bruderheim, while looking over a paper map showcasing the area …
Continue ReadingLME Week, an annual gathering of the metals industry, took place in Mayfair, London, over October 19-23. Prices of both battery metals edged down in recent months from peak levels reported in spring, with demand from the consumer electronics sector weighing on the cobalt market and demand from energy storage systems (ESS) pressing on lithium prices. Cobalt market awaits potential …
Continue ReadingSingapore-based Boroo has agreed to acquire Victoria Gold Corp. for up to C$140 million and plans to invest more than C$1.5 billion in the Eagle Gold Mine in Yukon, according to a Thursday (October 22) news release. The company will invest in environmental remediation, mine restart activities and future operations at the project. Victoria Gold, formerly listed on the Toronto …
Continue ReadingPlatinum and palladium posted the steepest declines in the precious metals complex over the week. Platinum fell 7.2% to $1,538/oz and palladium dropped 7.5% to $1,022/oz, recording the two largest declines in the group. Silver was not spared either, falling 7.1% to $53.67/oz. These three assets, which are more exposed to industrial and automotive demand, bore the brunt of the …
Continue ReadingRecord copper prices clash with weaker physical demand and squeezed smelter margins Discussions on copper during LME Week focused on the gap between record prices and physical demand, pressure on smelter margins and the time needed for new mine supply to reach the market. Downstream buyers had pulled back as prices rose, according to Tanja Winter, executive director and head …
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