Latest News
-
What is causing India's silver shortage this holiday season?
India's silver prices are significantly higher than global averages, as India is the world's largest consumer of precious metals. This is due to the soaring demand for the metal from investors. Exchange-traded funds with physical backing have suspended new subscriptions after the premium jumped up to 10%. Jewellers struggle to meet the strong demand for silver ahead of Diwali - the Hindu festival when purchases of the metal are traditionally high. Why is there a shortage of silver? The global silver demand has been outpacing supply over the last four years. This is a result of the five-year surplus that was produced. Silver production will still be unable to keep up with demand in 2025 as 70% of it is produced by mining other metals. This limits the ability to respond quickly to price changes. Despite the shortage of supply, demand for industrial products, particularly in renewable energy and high tech sectors, continues to rise. The structural deficit has been exacerbated by the large investment in physical ETFs and coins. Prices have also reached new highs. Silver shipments into the United States have increased since its inclusion on a draft U.S. Critical Minerals list in September. Why is India being badly affected by the SILVER shortage? India is the largest consumer of the metal. It uses it in silverware, jewellery and coins. Bars are also used for industrial purposes, from solar energy to electronic devices. More than 80% its demand is met by imports. Silver imports dropped by 42% in the first eighteen months of 2025 to 3,302 tonnes, but investment demand, particularly from ETFs rose to record highs. This surge consumed the excess imported in 2024. Now, additional overseas shipments are needed to meet this shortage. Why is India unable to import large quantities of silver? Normal circumstances would encourage Indian banks to increase imports in order to benefit from the large cash premium. The physical market has tightened in major trading centers due to a combination of factors including limited supplies coming from the main producing countries, a strong industrial demand and high investment, as well as logistical bottlenecks. Lease rates in London have increased by more than 30%. WHY HAVE INDIAN ETFS SUSPENDED NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS? In September, silver ETFs experienced a record inflow. This trend continued through early October. According to regulatory rules, physical backed ETFs are required to hold the subscribed silver amount in physical form. This is typically purchased from bullion dealers and banks. When they attempted to purchase silver last week, however, they had to pay high premiums. These premiums increased the acquisition costs for new subscribers. ETFs temporarily suspended subscriptions to protect investors from paying high prices. How are other companies adjusting to the silver shortage? Silverware is scarce, and manufacturers are unable to produce it. Coins and bars, popular gifts for the holidays, are also at a premium. Investors are expecting higher prices and few people want to sell their old scrap. This is keeping the supply of scrap tight. (Reporting and editing by Mayank Bhardwaj, Jan Harvey, and Rajendra Jadhav)
-
OPEC maintains oil demand forecast, pointing to smaller supply deficit in 2026
OPEC did not change its forecasts on Monday for the relatively high growth in global oil demand this year and the next. It also implied that the oil market would see a smaller deficit of supply by 2026, as the OPEC+ group continues to increase production. OPEC+ has added more crude oil to the market since the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia, and other allies have decided to undo some production cuts faster than originally planned. This extra supply has led to concerns of an oil surplus, and has weighed down on the price of crude this year. In a report released on Monday by OPEC, the group said that global economic growth was continuing to be solid. OPEC reported that OPEC+ increased crude production by 630,000 barrels a day in September to 43.05 millions bpd. This was due to its previous decisions to increase the output quotas. According to a report, if OPEC+ continues pumping crude oil at the same rate as September, the global market will experience a 50,000 bpd deficit. The report from last month suggested that OPEC+ would have a 700,000 bpd deficit in 2026 if they continued to pump at the rate of August. (Editing by Kirsten Doovan)
-
OPEC data show that Russian oil production continued to increase in September.
OPEC's monthly data revealed on Monday that Russian oil production increased in September, to 9,321 million barrels a day, an increase of 148,000 bpd over August. The world's top oil-producing countries have continued to ramp up their production. Despite the increase, last month's output was below Russia's OPEC+ production quota of 9.415 millions bpd for September. OPEC+ - the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, plus Russia and a few smaller producers - has increased their oil production targets this year by over 2.7 million bpd, which is equivalent to around 2.5% of the global demand. After years of reductions, the policy shift is intended to gain market share away from competitors such as U.S. Shale producers. Alexander Novak, Deputy prime minister of Russia, said that Russia has gradually increased its oil production. In its monthly report OPEC said that Kazakhstan's oil production last month fell by 26,000 bpd. This is still higher than the quota of 1.550 million bpd set by OPEC+ in September. Kazakhstan is one of the main laggards when it comes to the OPEC+ agreement due to the increase in production at the Chevron Tengiz oilfield. It's the largest in the country. (Reporting and editing by Jan Harvey; Olesya Astalhova and Vladimir Soldatkin)
-
Copper rally requires China's impetus in order to reach record levels
On October 9, copper prices reached $11,000 per ton, a milestone only seen twice before in the history the London Metal Exchange. Analysts are now wondering if the metal will ever reach a new high. Copper is used in construction and power. It was close to its all-time record of $11,104.50 set in May 2024. But it lost ground after U.S. president Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs against China. Benchmark copper traded at $10,644 per ton on Monday morning 1047 GMT. A weak dollar, and a string of mining accidents in the last few months have propelled metal prices higher in 2025, but demand is still in question. Ewa Mannthey, ING analyst, said that for the rally to continue, it will be necessary to see a strong growth in demand, especially from China. The bank also maintains a cautious view on the metal. "However, China's metals-intensive stimulus would increase demand and prices." This year, there have been disruptions at key copper mines including Grasberg, in Indonesia. Opinions differ, however, on whether the metal is in fact scarce or if prices are being inflated by speculators. The International Copper Study Group predicts a deficit of 150,000 tons in 2026 due to the force majeure situation at Grasberg. However, it still expects a surplus of 178,000 tons this year. BNP Paribas, after adjusting its annual loss allowance to account for the lower Grasberg production, expects a balanced copper market in 2019. David Wilson, senior commodity strategist at the Bank, said that "no one is struggling to get copper." "Funds may push industrial metals up, but industrial consumers won't buy it." The total copper stocks at the LME Shanghai Futures Exchange, and Comex is around 556,000 tonnes. Most of the copper is traded on the Comex system The United States has a surplus of copper, as the inventory that was built up before the impending U.S. tariffs were imposed on the metal had not been depleted. ShFE copper stocks The total is just over 110.000 tons, which is the highest level since April 25, but down nearly 60% compared to February.
-
ILZSG: Global markets for refined zinc and lead will face surpluses in 2026.
International Lead and Zinc Study Group said that the global refined zinc and led markets will have larger surpluses by 2026. The group estimates that the global surplus of lead metal refined will be 91,000 tonnes in 2025, and the global surplus of zinc metal refined will be 85,000 tons. The group stated that global demand for refined lead will increase by 1.8% this year to 13,25 million tonne and by 0.9% in 2026 to 13,37 million tonne. Production is also expected to rise by 2% in 2025 to 13.34 millions tonne and by 1% in 2026 to 13.47 millions mtonne. In 2026, the growth of supply will be driven by Europe and China. Australia and the United States are also recovering their output. Demand for refined zinc is expected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 to 13.71 millions tons and by 1% in 2026 to 13.86 millions tons, while production will increase 2.7% in 2025 to 13.80million tons and 2.4% in 2026 to 14.13million tons. The group noted that by 2026, the global production of zinc is expected to increase due to the availability of more concentrate. Increases are also expected in Brazil Canada and Norway. In China, a new smelter Huoshaoyun, which will begin commercial production at 500,000 tonnes per year, will be launched. The group also noted that the new Verkhny Ufaley Smelter in Russia will boost production. ILZSG stated that after declining in 2023-2024, the world zinc mine production is expected to increase 4.6% in 2025 to reach 12.51 million tonnes, mainly due to a 5% rise outside China. On Friday, zinc was trading at around $3,006 per metric ton, while lead was around $2,003. Sherin Elizabeth Mukherjee and Anushree mukherjee, reporting from Bengaluru. Editing by Chizu nomiayama.
-
LMEWEEK -Trafigura CEO minimizes AI and defence role in copper demand
The CEO of the trading house Trafigura stated on Monday that traditional applications of copper will continue as the largest part of the demand for the metal in the coming decade. This is not data centres or the defence industry. Richard Holtum, speaking at the LME Week in London, noted that artificial intelligence (AI), defence spending and metals demand are "buzzwords". He said that consumer demand will "dwarf three times" the AI demand for copper this year. Holtum, in a conversation with Matt Chamberlain, CEO of the London Metal Exchange said: "The amount that copper goes into air conditioning is more than what copper will go into data centers this year." Holtum stated that 90% of the copper demand we will see in the coming 10 years is from traditional sources such as infrastructure, construction, urbanisation and consumer goods. CRU, a consultancy, expects the copper demand in data centres to increase from 78,000 tonnes in 2020 to 260,000 tons by this year. Holtum stated that although the new applications will add a significant amount of demand, the "amount of airtime that defence and AI get relative to where the real demand is is slightly disproportional." (Reporting and Editing by Tom Daly)
-
Cerebras to deploy AI infrastructure at Stargate UAE Data Centre Hub
Andrew Feldman, CEO of AI chip startup Cerebras Systems, said on Monday that the company plans to deploy its infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, to support the rapidly growing AI industry there, as well markets in India, and Pakistan. Feldman said, "I am very confident there will be large clusters of our equipment here," including "megawatts of equipment" for Stargate, Feldman referred to the U.S. and UAE agreement to build the largest AI data centre outside of the United States. California-based Cerebras produces high-performance AI systems and chips designed to accelerate the training and deployment large AI models. They compete with the industry leader Nvidia NVDA.O on the rapidly growing AI chip market. G42, a cloud-based AI company backed by Abu Dhabi, is one of its biggest clients. The firm signed a 2023 deal to purchase supercomputers. G42's past links with China have drawn scrutiny in Washington due to concerns about Beijing's accessing advanced semiconductors, including through third parties like the UAE. The UAE has spent billions on its AI push and is looking to leverage their strong relationships with the U.S. Sources reported that technology giants such as Nvidia, OpenAI and G42 are working together to build the Stargate UAE's first phase. However, the deal is not finalised due to security concerns. Cerebras computers built for G42 are still in the U.S. as Middle East deals require export licenses from the Trump Administration. Cerebras filed a withdrawal request this month to pull its plans for an American listing after raising $1.1 Billion in a financing round valued at $8.1 Billion. 1789 Capital is one of the new investors. Donald Trump Jr. is a shareholder. Feldman stated that the company would use the proceeds from the sale to expand manufacturing and finance new data centres. The goal is to increase the number of sites to 12 or 15 in the coming months, up from the current six. Feldman confirmed that Cerebras intends to make its offering public. He added, "We have an intention to refile as soon as we can", but did not provide a timeframe.
-
Five people killed in clashes at an anti-Israel protest in Pakistan, according to police
Police said that at least five people died when Pakistani officers clashed against members of a hardline Islamist organization during an anti-Israel demonstration on Pakistan's busiest road. Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan's violent and massive street protests, which have plagued multiple Pakistani government, called the march in anticipation of Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire agreement to end the Gaza War last week. The march along the Grand Trunk Road, which runs from Lahore in the east to Islamabad in the capital, is a 400-kilometer (248-mile) journey that began on Friday. It has been met with several clashes between the police and protesters who are trying to slow down the march. Police said Monday that they launched an operation in order to disperse hundreds protesters in Muridke. However, the supporters of the group opened fire and set more than 40 vehicles ablaze in a clash lasting over three hours. In a press release, the police stated that among those killed were a policeman, three protesters, and an innocent bystander. It was added that dozens of people on both sides had been injured. Police added that scores of protesters were also arrested. Police added that scores of protesters have also been arrested. Tehrik-e-Labaik claimed that it was the police which opened fire, killing several of its supporters and injuring others. The group also said that its leader, Saad Rzvi, had been injured with three bullets. A spokesperson for the provincial government did not respond when asked to comment on the claims of this group. Rizvi said at a Sunday news conference that his supporters wanted to march to Islamabad only to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. He added that the group had run previous campaigns to boycott Israeli goods. Hamas released the last 20 Israeli hostages under the ceasefire agreement on Monday. The deal aims to end the war that began in October 2023 following a Hamas assault that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage. Gaza's health officials claim that Israeli airstrikes and bombardments, as well as armoured ground attacks, have ravaged the area, killing over 67,000 Palestinians. This has caused a humanitarian catastrophe.
Britain's Energy Minister visits China to discuss climate change and energy cooperation
Britain's Energy Minister is visiting Beijing this Friday to discuss climate issues and energy issues. He hopes that re-engaging China, the world's biggest carbon emitter as well as a supplier of renewable energy infrastructure, will bring economic benefits.
The government announced that Ed Miliband would meet with the Chinese energy and environmental ministers on his 14-17 March visit. He will also launch a framework of climate talks, which will see his counterparts in Beijing visiting London later this summer.
Miliband wants to update an old clean energy partnership that has been in place for a decade with China. He will outline areas of collaboration, such as carbon capture and storage technologies and hydrogen power production.
The UK hopes that its goal of switching almost exclusively to clean energy by the end decade will be aided by closer ties with China. China is the world's largest investor and supplier of renewable energy infrastructure.
Miliband also wants to see his ambitious target of decarbonisation rub off on Chinese policies, and the Chinese government has promised to share their expertise in phasing-out the use coal, on which China is still heavily reliant.
Miliband stated that "we can only protect future generations from climate change by ensuring all major emitters take action."
It is a simple act of neglect to the present and future generations to not engage China in how it can take action on climate change.
This is the third visit by a senior British Minister in recent months, following the foreign and finance ministries. Keir starmer wants to reset the relationship with Beijing after the degeneration of relations under the former British government.
The Starmer government’s approach to China revolves around a mantra that is often repeated by its ministers: “cooperating when we can, competing when we need to, challenging where we have to.”
The British government announced that Miliband would "engage honestly" with Britain's concerns over forced labour in Hong Kong, freedoms and human rights in Hong Kong, and China's support of Russia's conflict in Ukraine. (Reporting and editing by Christina Fincher, Susanna Twidale and William James)
(source: Reuters)