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Gold prices rise on demand for safe-havens ahead of US tariffs
The gold price continued to rise on Wednesday after hitting a new record in the previous session. Investors sought comfort in the metal as they waited for the impact of U.S. tariffs. As of 0240 GMT, spot gold was up 0.7% to $3,131.25 per ounce. Bullion reached a record high of $3148.88 Tuesday. U.S. Gold Futures increased 0.4% to $3.159.90. The main reason behind these consecutive record highs is safe-haven purchasing, and the geopolitical uncertainties that underpin this show no signs of abating," said Philip Newman. Newman stated that a U.S. slowdown in economic growth, a potential increase in inflation and interest rate reductions could lead to gold reaching $3,300 within the next few months. The market is in suspense ahead of the U.S. Tariffs that will be implemented later today, a day President Donald Trump called "Liberation Day." Trump's tariff policy could cause inflation to rise, economic growth to slow and trade disputes escalate. In an environment of low interest rates, gold, which is a hedge against inflation and global instability, flourishes. The White House confirmed that new tariffs would be implemented, but did not provide details about the size and scope. Bullion's rise has been fueled by a number of factors, including strong demand from central banks, the expectation that interest rates will be lowered by the Federal Reserve and the geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, as well as increased flows into exchange-traded funds backed by gold. Aakash Doshi is the global head of Gold Strategy at State Street Global Advisors. He said that in a bull-case scenario, the market could reach $3,400/oz within 9 months. Fed officials are worried that employment may slip, but they can't do much about it because of the threat from tariff-driven inflation. The markets await the ADP employment report, due later today, and non-farm pay on Friday. Spot silver increased 0.2%, to $33.82 per ounce. Platinum gained 0.8%, to $987.66. Palladium rose 0.7%, to $990.45.
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London copper prices rise, but caution before US tariffs cap gains
The copper price in London rose on Wednesday but gains were limited as investors awaited the details of reciprocal duties from U.S. president Donald Trump, scheduled for later that day. As of 0250 GMT, the benchmark three-month Copper on the London Metal Exchange rose by 0.2%, to $9,716 a metric ton. Trump announced on Sunday that his reciprocal tariffs would apply to all countries. A base metals trader stated that "we sense a risk off sentiment" due to the looming uncertainty ahead of Trump's announcement on reciprocal tariffs later today. The Caixin/S&P Global Manufacturing PMI, released on Tuesday, rose to 51.2 from 50.8 in Feburary, reflecting manufacturing growth despite the potential threats of an escalating U.S. Trade War. The Shanghai Futures Exchange saw a 2.5% increase in the price of tin, which is due to the fear that supply will be disrupted by the earthquake that occurred last Friday in Myanmar, a country rich in tin. Chaos Research stated in a report that the market's expectations have been affected by the recent earthquake. If the mining area collapsed as a result of the earthquake, there is a good chance the mining will not resume in Wa State in 2018. Myanmar's Wa State had previously considered allowing the mining of tin in this region. Mines in Wa state produce 70% of the tin produced by Myanmar, which is the third largest producer on the planet and the dominant supplier to China. Other metals include LME aluminium, which fell 0.3%, to $2499 per ton. Lead rose 0.1%, to $1992, Zinc dropped 0.1%, to $2819, Tin gained 0.2%, to $37.570, and Nickel advanced 0.2%, to $16,065 per ton. SHFE copper remained flat at 79.930 yuan per ton. SHFE aluminium fell 0.1% to 20.465 yuan per ton. Zinc lost 1.0% to 23.290 yuan. Lead dropped 0.5% to 17.325 yuan. Nickel rose 0.3% to 129.005 yuan. $1 = 7.2693 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (Reporting and editing by Rashmi aich in Beijing, Violet Li in Shanghai)
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Stocks are on tenterhooks, as Trump's tariff plans approach
Asian stocks stumbled on Wednesday as investors worried about escalating global trade wars awaited the details of U.S. president Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. In recent weeks, investors have been focused on the new round reciprocal levies which the White House will announce at 2000 GMT on Wednesday. These are expected to go into effect immediately following the announcement. Trump has already imposed duties on autos, aluminium and steel, as well as increased duties on all Chinese goods. This has rattled the markets, with fears growing that a full-blown global trade war may trigger a sharp economic slowdown. Asian stocks dropped in the early morning trading after a turbulent session in the United States. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.3%, while South Korea's benchmark was down 0.57%. Wall Street's benchmark S&P and Nasdaq both ended the session higher, after earlier losing ground. The Dow ended a little lower. Chris Weston is the head of Pepperstone's research. He said: "We are experiencing a trading environment that is in a state if chop. Market players are adjusting their exposures at the margins and don't want to commit." The blue-chip index rose 0.14%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.3% in early trading. Vasu Menon is the managing director for investment strategy at OCBC. He said: "Trump called April 2, 'Liberation Day,' but it's unlikely that investors will be truly liberated from tariff uncertainty." This possibility will likely continue to make investors nervous. Investors are becoming increasingly concerned by signs such as rising prices, a slowing economy and cracks on the labour market. The data showed that U.S. manufacturing shrank in March, after two months of growth. A measure of inflation in the factory gates jumped to its highest level in almost three years due to rising concern over tariffs on imported products. In a recent note, ING economists stated that "Tariffs were meant to reinvigorate U.S. Manufacturing, but they are more concerned about the impact on supply chains, and what it means for foreign retaliation, despite signs of a cooling in the domestic economy." The Labour Department reported on Tuesday that U.S. employment opportunities fell by 194,000 in February to 7.568 millions as tariff uncertainty dampened labour demand. The yield on the 10-year Treasury benchmark note in the United States was 4.189% during Asian hours, having fallen to 4.133% Tuesday. This is its lowest level since February 4. Most currency pairs traded in tight ranges. The euro remained at $1.079125 while the sterling traded at $1.29125. The yen was slightly weaker, at 149.83 dollars per yen. But the focus will be on tariff details. This is especially true after a report in the media said that Trump's advisers were considering a plan to raise duties by around 20% on products from almost every country rather than target certain countries or specific products. "We are heading into Trump's time to shine, with many already having deleveraged in order to run as neutral or flat a position they can on equity, USD (dollar), and Treasuries." Pepperstone's Weston stated Gold, which is seen as a safe haven against economic and political turmoil, was well-priced at $3,132.43 an ounce. This price, while up by 0.7%, was still just below the previous session's record high.
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Oil prices remain stable as the market waits for new US tariffs
The oil prices were stable on Wednesday, after falling the previous day on fears that new U.S. trade tariffs to be announced later in the session could deepen a worldwide trade war and limit crude demand. Brent futures fell 2 cents, to $74.47 per barrel at 0016 GMT on Wednesday after falling 0.4% Tuesday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude Futures rose 1 cent to $71.21 following a 0.4% drop. On Monday, prices rose to the highest level in five weeks. The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump would impose new trade barriers on Wednesday. However, it did not provide any details on the size or scope of these trade barriers. Trump has been touting April 2 as "Liberation Day" for weeks. This would mean new duties which could shake the global trading system. The White House will make an announcement at 4 pm. ET (2000 GMT). As part of the "maximum-pressure" campaign by his administration to reduce Iran's exports, President Donald Trump threatened to impose secondary duties on Russian oil. He also increased sanctions against Iran on Monday. Trump had threatened to "bomb" Iran on Sunday if the country did not reach a nuclear deal. The U.S. oil and fuel inventories also painted a mixed image about the supply and demand of the world's largest producer and consumer. According to sources citing the American Petroleum Institute, crude oil stocks in the United States rose by 6,000,000 barrels during the week ending March 28. The sources reported that gasoline inventories fell by 1.6m barrels while distillate stocks dropped by 11,000 barrels. The Energy Information Administration will release official U.S. crude inventory data later this Wednesday. Sources say that investors are looking forward to the OPEC+ ministers meeting online on Thursday. They are expected to approve a new increase in production starting May. (Reporting and editing by Laila K. Kearney)
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Lithium Americas makes final investment decision on Thacker Pass mine
Lithium Americas announced on Tuesday that it had reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to construct the first phase for the Thacker Pass Lithium Mine in Nevada. Thacker Pass is a joint project between Lithium Americas, a subsidiary of General Motors in the United States. The first phase of the project should be completed by late 2027. Jonathan Evans, CEO of Lithium Americas, said: "Together we will develop an American-produced lithium supply to reduce American dependency on foreign suppliers for essential minerals." Lithium Americas of Vancouver and General Motors have both contributed $192 million in cash each to the JV. This has allowed it to reach a fully-funded status for the first phase of the project. The U.S. Department of Energy approved a loan of $2.26 billion for Lithium Americas last year to help build the project. The company had also accessed $650 million through its joint venture with General Motors. Thacker Pass will produce enough lithium carbonate for 800,000 electric cars in the first phase. Reporting by Vallari Shrivastava, Bengaluru. Editing by Alan Barona
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GRAINS-Chicago soya beans rise at biofuel coalition meeting
Chicago soybean futures rose Tuesday, ahead of a discussion between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a coalition representing oil and biofuels groups to raise federal mandates on biomass diesel blends. Analysts say that corn futures gained support due to wet forecasts for the U.S. Delta, Ohio Valley and Midwest, while wheat futures grew on the back of reduced acreage, as reported in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report on Monday. The Chicago Board of Trade's most active soybean contract settled at $10.34-1/4, its highest level since March 6, and CBOT corn finished up 4-1/2cents at $4.61-3/4, while wheat rose 3-1/2 cents to $5.40-1/2 per bushel. Jim McCormick of AgMarket.net, a founding partner, stated that the news that a newly-formed coalition of oil groups and biofuel groups including the American Petroleum Institute was meeting with EPA representatives on Tuesday drove soybean oil futures higher on Tuesday. The coalition wants to see biomass diesel blend mandates raised from 5.5 billion up to 5.75 billion. McCormick said that the new mandate would represent a dramatic increase from the current 3,55 billion. McCormick said that the forecast of heavy rains in the U.S. Delta region and Ohio River Valley will also support corn production. He said, "It isn't a big problem yet but we won't be planting very quickly in that part of the country." The futures for wheat continued to rise as a result of the USDA's release on Monday of prospective planting data. The USDA's planting forecast for 2025 showed that the U.S. area of wheat would be lower than analyst expectations. McCormick reports that the grain markets are still bracing themselves for President Donald Trump to announce tariffs on 2 April. This prospect continues to raise concerns about retaliation by other countries against U.S. agricultural exports. Renee Hickman reported from Chicago. Reporting in Paris by Gus Trompiz, and Ella Cao, Mei Mei Chu and Mei Mei Chu from Beijing. Editing by Aurora Ellis.
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EnerSys moves production from Mexico to the US
EnerSys, a provider of energy services, announced on Tuesday that it will close its lead-acid manufacturing plant in Mexico due to flooding and move production to a US facility. The announcement coincides with the preparations of U.S. president Donald Trump to impose reciprocal duties on countries that impose tariffs on U.S. products, beginning on April 2, a day he has called "Liberation Day". A pre-tax charge in the amount of $20 million would be incurred in the first half 2025 due to the closure of the Monterrey plant in Mexico, and the subsequent transfer of production from that facility to the Richmond, Kentucky, plant. EnerSys said that the restructuring will result in an estimated annual pre-tax profit of $19,000,000, starting with fiscal year 2027. Shawn O'Connell said, "The transition will allow us to optimize our costs structure, maximize IRC 45X near-term tax benefits, mitigate future risks associated to potential tariffs, while strengthening our commitment to improve domestic industrial security." O'Connell will assume the role as chief executive officer by May. Reporting by Vallari Shrivastava from Bengaluru, editing by Maju Sam
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Trump Administration weighs new coal leasing at North Dakota mine
The Trump administration took a major step on Tuesday in leasing new areas for a North Dakota mine that plans to operate until 2045. Why it Matters The publication of an environmental draft analysis of the new lease areas of North Dakota's Freedom Mine aligns with President Donald Trump’s goal of increasing U.S. fossil-fuel production and reviving coal for electricity production. The United States' electricity supply, formerly dominated by coal, is now only about 16 percent, as natural gas and renewable energy are cheaper. By the Numbers Freedom Mine is owned by a NACCO division and produces between 11.5 to 13.5 million tonnes of lignite annually in Mercer County. The company has requested the lease of tracts covering 1,350 acres, which contains approximately 24 million tonnes of mineable coal. The owner of the mine was not immediately available to comment. Key Context Freedom Mine, which supplies coal to Basin Electric Power Cooperative power plants, first applied for the lease of the new areas in 2019. The company submitted an emergency application that would require a portion coal from the new lease area to be mined in three years. Leases consist of a mix of surface land owned by private and federal owners, and subsurface coal. What's Next? The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public feedback on the proposed leasing until May 2. The Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management, a division, is evaluating a variety of options including leasing less land. The assistant secretary of Interior for Land and Minerals must approve the company's modification to its mining plan. (Reporting and editing by Nichola Grroom)
Stocks fall, gold reaches record levels as tariffs fuel recession fears
On Monday, global equity markets fell and gold reached a new record high after U.S. president Donald Trump announced that tariffs would cover virtually all countries. This stoked fears of a global economic recession due to a trade war.
Trump's comments on Air Force One to reporters seemed to put an end to hopes that the levies could be restricted to a small group of countries who have the largest trade imbalances.
Trump will receive recommendations for tariffs on Tuesday, and then announce the initial level on Wednesday. The auto tariffs are announced the next day.
All three major Wall Street indexes are trading lower. Losses in technology, communication services, and consumer discretionary stocks lead the way. Gains were made by energy, consumer staples and utilities stocks.
George Lagarias is the chief economist of Forvis Mazars. He said, "What Trump's administration has shown so far is you shouldn't expect a consistent strategy."
This is what most scares markets. Markets hate uncertainty and inconsistency.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.11% to 41.538.47. The S&P 500 declined 0.90% at 5,530.99. And the Nasdaq Composite was down 2.00% at 16,976.48.
The STOXX 600 in Europe fell by 1.40%, its lowest level in nearly eight weeks. Major indexes in Frankfurt and London also fell between 1.7 and 2 percent. MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific share index outside Japan fell 1.9%.
Goldman Sachs analysts now see 35% of the chance that the U.S. will enter a recession. This is up from 20%. They expect Trump to announce on April 2 reciprocal tariffs averaging 15% for all U.S. trade partners.
The data released on Friday highlighted the risks, as core inflation, a key indicator of inflation in general rose more than anticipated in February and consumer spending was disappointing.
The March payrolls report, due Friday, is now even more important. Any result below the expected 140,000 increase will only add to the recession fears.
Talley Leger is the chief market strategist of The Wealth Consulting Group, a New Jersey-based firm.
In a slowing environment of growth, earnings will decelerate or even crash in a recession. This is another major fear on the market. "On the other hand, spiraling inflation would squeeze stock prices on the valuation channel."
Gold prices continued their record-breaking run and reached a new high of $3128.06 Gold futures in the United States rose 1.3% to $3,126.60 per ounce. Spot gold increased 1.18%, reaching $3,120.27.
On the currency markets, the dollar fell against the Japanese yen and rose against the euro due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
The dollar fell 0.13% against the Japanese yen to 149.63. The euro fell 0.27% to $1.0799. The dollar gained 0.48% against the Swiss Franc to 0.885 Franc.
The dollar index (which measures the greenback in relation to a basket including the yen, the euro and other currencies) rose by 0.22%.
Bond investors appeared to be betting that the Fed will cut rates this year by 80 basis points due to the slowdown of the U.S. economy.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. notes dropped 3.5 basis points, to 4.219%. The yield on the benchmark German Bunds 10-year fell by 2.6 basis points in Europe to 2.706%.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell's Friday speech, which follows a number of Fed speakers during this week, could provide a clearer picture on the outlook for interest rates.
Brent oil rose by 1.41%, to $74.67 per barrel. U.S. crude gained 2.34%, to $70.99 a barrel. Trump also threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil buyers if he believed that Moscow was blocking his efforts to end Ukraine's war. Reporting by Chibuike OGOH in New York, Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Lincoln Feast; Aidan Lewis, Jan Harvey, Joe Bavier and Lincoln Feast
(source: Reuters)