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Crude Oil

Crude Oil

Morning Bid Europe-Not panicked but still nervous

Ankur Banerjee gives a look at what the markets will be like tomorrow in Europe and the world. Markets are nervous following the latest escalation of Middle East tensions, but investors have hope that the new 'U.S. The 'attacks on Iran after an Apache helicopter was 'downed near the Strait of Hormuz won't derail a peace deal that will end the war. It may be a wishful thought, as the U.S. army has said that it targeted Iranian air defences, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near this key waterway to respond to attacks against U.S. forces and commercial...

Crude Oil

Morning bid Europe- Fortune really has to favour the brave

Wayne Cole gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. Asian investors, whether very brave or foolish, have returned to buying the dips on Tuesday, and most regional indexes are rebounding. News that Iran and Israel had agreed to halt their attacks for the foreseeable future helped lift oil prices. South Korea's Kospi has gained almost 5% after losing 8% on Monday. It is still up an insignificant 83% this year. The bull market has attracted more retail investors, who borrow to buy, and are therefore vulnerable to margin calls. Recent Bank of Korea...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID AMERICAS - Summer clouds

What is important in the U.S. and international markets today by Mike Dolan Editor-at-Large of Finance and Markets On Wednesday, the?S&P 500 did not achieve its 10th consecutive daily gain and some clouds are forming in the markets. Broadcom, the sixth largest company in the world by market capitalization, has stumbled despite the frenzy surrounding the hot chip sector. Stocks of the chipmaker dropped by more than 13% overnight after a slight miscalculation in sales and revenue estimates. This?reaction is a sign of the high bar that companies have to meet in order to impress the markets during the AI...

Crude Oil

China will reduce domestic retail prices of gasoline and diesel from June 5,

China will reduce domestic retail prices on 'gasoline and Diesel' from Friday, its second cut since the start of the Iran War which has caused global oil prices to rise and constrained global energy supplies. The National Development and Reform Commission, a state planner, announced on Thursday that the retail gasoline and diesel prices would be reduced by 525 Yuan ($77.52), and 505 Yuan ($50.52), respectively. A 50-litre fuel tank filled with?92-octane gas can be filled for about 20.5 Yuan less. After factoring in Thursday's price reductions, Beijing has raised diesel retail prices by 1,530 yuan a ton since the...

Crude Oil

A ceasefire that is too far for the markets

Gregor Stuart Hunter gives us a look at what the markets will be like tomorrow in Europe and globally. Traders are battling with contradicting 'headlines': the renewed fighting between Iran and the U.S. on the one hand and the ceasefire?between Israel & Lebanon?on teh other. This time, there's no sign of a relief rally. Brent crude futures are just 0.7% down at $97.12 per barrel, after Lebanon and Israel agreed on a ceasefire. The agreement is conditional upon a complete cessation in fire by the Iran-aligned Hezbollah and the evacuation of its operatives out of the South Litani Sector. The...

Crude Oil

Stocks rise on AI optimism, but jitters about Iran simmer

On Tuesday, global stocks rose, boosted by fresh AI optimism following Anthropic's move towards a U.S. Stock Market listing. Oil prices and bond yields also fell, on renewed hope of a U.S. Iran deal. Brent crude futures fell more than?1% under $94 per barrel on Tuesday, reversing the sharp gains of the previous session, after U.S. president Donald Trump stated that talks with Iran continue. The comments were made despite reports that Tehran had suspended indirect talks with Washington in order to end hostilities. This has kept investors on edge about the efforts to end the 3-month war, and highlighted...

Crude Oil

Shock to the equity supply?

What is important in the U.S. and international markets today by Mike Dolan Editor-at-Large of Finance and Markets The 'global markets' appeared to be calm early on Tuesday. However, the latest AI twist and another set of confusing signals regarding the Iran conflict were hidden. Anthropic, an AI startup, stole the show Monday when it announced that it had confidentially 'filed' for an IPO. It seemed to beat rival OpenAI and catch the slipstream of SpaceX IPO which is expected in this upcoming month. Below, I'll get into this and more. Check out my most recent column about how the...

Oil & Gas Refining

China is reportedly increasing its oil imports despite a decade-low.

Analysts and industry officials say that China will continue to draw on its record crude oil inventories, as refiners reduce imports while maintaining production curbs in order to minimize losses due to weak fuel demand. The tepid demand from the world's largest crude importer is partly limiting global oil prices. They have fallen 19% since May, despite a strained truce between the U.S.A. and Iran. And the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed a third time. Beijing has taken a number of measures to protect the country against the soaring Middle East crude oil prices. These include maximizing domestic drilling...

Crude Oil

Russell: It's not about altruism, but economics that's driving China's crude imports to slump.

China's imports of crude oils by sea fell to their lowest level in nearly 10 years in may as a result of the Iran War. This led to a drastic reorganization of operations for the world's largest oil importer. According to data compiled by Kpler, seaborne arrivals of crude oil were down to 6.36 million barrels each day in May from 8.10 in April. This was the lowest since October 2016. The imports also fell by a little over half of the 11,39 million bpd that Kpler recorded for February. This was the 'last full month' before the U.S.-Israeli attack...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID AMERICAS - AI and 1984

What's important in the U.S. market and globally today by Mike Dolan, Editor at Large, Finance and Markets The same obsessions with the market continue in a new month. Iran and AI are still competing for the attention of investors, but AI is currently winning. The momentum from last week looks to be continuing into Monday. Below, I'll explain more. Listen to the latest episode of the Morning Bid Daily Podcast. Subscribe to the Morning Bid daily podcast and hear 'journalists' discuss the latest news in finance and markets seven days a weeks. AI AND 1984 The U.S. and Iran...

Crude Oil

Oil tumbles, stocks gain on US-Iran deal hopes

Oil prices fell and were headed towards a weekly decline as traders awaited clarification on the efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, and extend an?U.S.Iran ceasefire. United States and Iran reportedly agreed to lift shipping restrictions and extend their ceasefire, according to sources. However, U.S. president Donald Trump is yet to approve this deal. Iranian state media also said that it was not finalized. Oil futures dropped around 2%, and are on course for their biggest weekly drop since early April. MSCI's global stocks index rose by 0.4%, reaching a new record high. Chipmakers led the gains after Dell's upgraded...

Crude Oil

How far along are the U.S.A. and Iran in ending the Iran War?

Sources say that the United States and Iran reached an agreement on the extension of a ceasefire and the lifting of sanctions and a U.S. Blockade against?Iran. However, the deal is not finalised. A deal would be a major step in ending the 'war' that has led the world to an energy crisis. However, the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program would not be resolved until the following weeks. WHAT ARE THE CONCLUSIONS? After a ceasefire early in April, the two sides remain at odds over issues such as Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel's war in Lebanon against the Hezbollah militia backed...

Refined Products

Refined Products

Karen Braun: The role of China in US agriculture has changed.

Last month, the prospect of renewed Chinese demand for U.S. agricultural products sparked excitement on?grain market. However, enthusiasm has faded and no immediate purchases have been made. It was not surprising that the initial reaction was bullish. China has been a driving force in U.S. agricultural growth, helping to drive record soybean exports and grain prices, as well as emerging as a major purchaser of everything from beef to corn. The trade agreement last month, which included at least $17 billion of U.S. agricultural sales beyond existing soybean agreements, revived hopes that China could once again be a major driver...

Refined Products

What is the secret to economic success? Stephen Jen: A good baseball team

What do the four most important tech economies in the world - the U.S.A., Taiwan Japan and South Korea have in common? They are baseball fans. It may not be a mere coincidence. This raises questions about the prospects for two other baseball-loving countries: Venezuela and Cuba. In the U.S., baseball was created in the mid-19th century. It is a combination of rounders and cricket. Baseball is popular among those who have had a long-term relationship with America, just as British sports are in Commonwealth countries. Baseball became popular in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea after World War II, when...

Refined Products

What is the secret to economic success? Stephen Jen: A good baseball team

What are the four most important tech economies in the world - Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the U.S. - all sharing? They all love baseball. It's possible that this is more than just a coincidence. This raises questions about the prospects for two other baseball-loving countries: Venezuela and Cuba. The U.S. developed baseball in the mid-19th century, as a combination of rounders and cricket. Baseball is popular among those who have interacted with America for a long time, just as British sports are in Commonwealth countries. Baseball became popular in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea after World War II,...

Mining

Zambia extends duty free copper concentrate export duty exemption amid smelter failures

Zambia has extended the suspension on a 10% duty for copper concentrate exports until September 30 to clear the'stockpiles' of unprocessed material as the smelters in the country undergo extensive maintenance and repairs. The copper miners of Africa's second largest producer of metals used in electrical infrastructure have undertaken lengthy smelter-maintenance programmes in response to technical challenges which have affected?processed production. Zambia exports copper mainly in the form of refined cathodes rather than concentrate. Zambia exported 890 346?metric tonnes of copper in 2025, and aims to increase national production to?3 millions tons by 2031. According to a government announcement seen...

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

Copper prices fall as macro-concerns weigh on tariff support

Copper prices fell on Wednesday morning as macroeconomic concerns and volatility related to the Middle East conflict offset the price support provided by U.S. tariffs. As of 0300 GMT, the benchmark three-month copper price?on London Metal Exchange?declined by 0.36% to a metric ton at $13,566.5. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract fell 0.38%, to 104.010 yuan (15,354.52) per ton. The price of oil rose Wednesday as the U.S. launched a new strike against Iran. The Middle East war has increased energy prices and put pressure on manufacturing, which is a major sector for copper demand. Data released by...

Mineral Resources

LME stock tightens up as copper prices rise, dollar falls

The dollar fell on Tuesday after Israel and Iran agreed to stop their attacks against each other. Meanwhile, visible metal inventories outside of the United States tightened further. The benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange increased 0.8% by 0951 GMT to $13,728 per metric ton, but was hampered by the 21-day moving median at $13,735. The U.S. Dollar Index was down by 0.2%. However, the markets are waiting for Wednesday's U.S. Inflation data to get clues about the Federal Reserve. Dollar-priced materials become more appealing to buyers who use other currencies when the U.S. dollar is weaker....

Mineral Resources

As tensions in the Middle East and China reduce imports of copper, tight LME stock levels counteract lower China imports.

The price of copper?went up slightly on Tuesday as London Metal Exchange inventories shrank, helping it to withstand pressures from concerns over?Middle East tensions?, inflation?, and lower China imports. Benchmark 'three-month' copper on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.48% by 0702 GMT to $13,681.5 per metric ton. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract rose 0.56%, to 104.650 yuan (15,452.42) per ton. The Donald Trump administration is expected to make a decision on tariffs for copper imports by the end of the month. Data released by China's top consumer showed that imports of copper unwrought have declined significantly this...

Mineral Resources

Mideast tensions and tight LME stock counter China's worries about demand. Copper prices remain stable

The copper price was little changed Tuesday, as the?support of dwindling London Metal Exchange inventory offset the?pressures from Middle East tensions and high oil prices. Benchmark three-month copper prices on the London Metal Exchange were down 0.22% by 0300 GMT, at $13,585.5 per metric ton. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract rose 0.02% to 104,090 Yuan ($15,356.58) a ton. The London Metal Exchange has seen a decline in stocks, which is causing traders to shift their metals?towards the United States before the U.S. announces its decision on tariffs on copper imports at the end of June. Data released...

Mineral Resources

London Copper nears 1-week Low on Continued Inflation Worries

London copper was near its one-week lows Monday due to a combination of 'weaker Chinese metal prices' and a growing expectation that the Federal Reserve will be pushed towards rate hikes by strong U.S. job data and higher oil costs. Benchmark 'three-month copper' on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.38% at $13,570.5 per metric ton as of 0331 GMT. LME copper fell to its lowest level since May 28 due to a rising dollar, and inflation fears. Industrial metals are more dependent on economic growth, so higher interest rates can dampen their prospects. Official data showed that the U.S. economy...

Mineral Resources

Sources: Cargill is in talks with Macquarie to sell its metals unit.

Five sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that 'Cargill' is in discussions to sell its metals division to Macquarie Group, as a global trading house wants to concentrate on its core operations of food and agriculture. The five sources all spoke under condition of anonymity as the sale had not yet been announced. They were also not authorized to speak to media. They didn't disclose any further details about the discussions, which may not result in a deal. Cargill did not respond to requests for comments via phone and email. Macquarie has declined to comment. Cargill's metals unit in...

Mineral Resources

Iron ore prices fall as steel margins decline, causing a fourth-week loss

Iron ore prices are headed for a fourth consecutive weekly loss even though they were mixed on Friday as declining margins for steelmakers' in the world's largest consumer, China, curbed buying appetite for this key ingredient. The most-traded contract for iron ore on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange closed daytime trading down 0.91% to 766 yuan (113.07 dollars) per metric ton. This marked a 2.1% weekly drop. The contract reached its lowest level in over a year at 760.5 Yuan during the session. As of 813 GMT, the benchmark July iron ore traded on Singapore Exchange was trading at $101.9 per?ton....

Mineral Resources

Copper prices set to rise this week as demand offsets macro-headwinds

The copper price was set to rise despite the drop on Friday, as tighter supplies and a bullish mood helped counteract wider macroeconomic concerns linked to 'the Iran War' and 'inflation. Benchmark -three-month copper at the London Metal Exchange fell 1.34%, to $13,745 per metric ton as of 0700 GMT. The week-over-week increase was 0.7%. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most active copper contract fell by 0.46%, to 105150 yuan (15,521.90 dollars) per tonne. Daniel Hynes is a senior commodity analyst at ANZ. He said that copper has been resilient to macroeconomic headwinds. "Structurally driven demand offsets cyclical 'weakness,'" he wrote...

Mineral Resources

ASIA GOLD - India's gold demand is subdued due to buyer caution and volatile prices

Gold demand in India was subdued as buyers were on the sidelines because of?volatile overseas prices. Premiums?in China also eased slightly. On Friday, the price of domestic gold was around 158.400 rupees for 10 grams. Dealers quoted discounts This week you can save up to $87 per ounce on official domestic prices, including 15% import duty and 3% sales tax. Last week, you could save up to $106 per ounce. The wedding season is coming to an end. The retail demand is continuing to moderate and jewellery stores are reporting lower footfall in the country, said a Mumbai bullion dealer...

Mineral Resources

Demand offsets macro-headwinds to drive copper prices higher at the end of this week

The price of copper was expected to rise despite the?drop on Friday. Tighter supplies and a?bullish mood helped to offset macroeconomic worries related to?the Iran War and inflation. Benchmark three-month Copper on the?London Metal Exchange fell 1.23% at $13,761 per metric ton as of 0300 GMT. This still represents a 0.8% rise for the week. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most active copper contract fell 0.39%, to 105230 yuan (15,529.81 dollars) per ton. Daniel Hynes is a senior commodity strategist at ANZ. He wrote a note Friday that copper has shown?resilience to macroeconomic headwinds. "Structurally driven demand offsets cyclical weaknesses," he...

Mineral Resources

Iron ore prices fall as steel margins decline, causing a fourth-week loss

The price of iron ore continued to fall on Friday, and was'set for a fourth consecutive weekly loss' as falling margins at steelmakers in China, the top steel-making consumer, curbed demand for this?key ingredient. By 0245 GMT, the most traded iron ore contract at China's Dalian Commodity Exchange(DCE) had fallen 0.95%, to 766 Yuan ($113.05), a metric tonne, and has lost 2.1% for the week. Earlier in the session, the contract reached its lowest level since 15 April? at 760.5 Yuan. As of 0235 GMT the benchmark July iron ore traded on?the Singapore Exchange remained unchanged at $101.5 per ton....

Mineral Resources

Iron ore falls to six-week low due to China's demand concerns

Iron ore prices continued to fall on Thursday, reaching a 'lowest level in over six weeks.' This was due to rising concerns regarding demand from 'China, the worlds largest steel consumer. Iron ore, the most traded contract on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange(DCE), fell by 0.96% at 0327 GMT to 774.5 Yuan ($114.32) per metric ton. This was its lowest level since April 20, As of 0317 GMT the benchmark?July Iron Ore traded on the Singapore Exchange had fallen 0.93% to $102.7 per tonne, after having hit its lowest level since April 14, at $102.5. Analysts said that demand for iron...