Latest News
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Source: Canada will remove many of the retaliatory duties on US goods
Sources familiar with the situation say that Canada will announce Friday it is removing retaliatory duties on U.S. products as a gesture of goodwill to restart stagnated trade talks. Source who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the situation said that Canadian tariffs will continue for the time being on U.S. steel, aluminum and autos. The Prime Minister Mark Carney will hold a press briefing at 16:00 GMT (12:00 Eastern Time) on Friday. News helped extend the Canadian dollar's gains. By 11:05 am, it was up by 0.5% to C$1.3837 per U.S. Dollar or 72.27 U.S. Cents. Canada and the United States have been in talks for several months about a new relationship on economics and security, but they are still far apart. Carney On Thursday, the U.S. president Donald Trump spoke to him for the first since June. His office described it as a productive discussion. Carney's Office did not respond to an inquiry for comment. Reporting by David Ljunggren, Editing by Chizu nomiyama
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Swiss bank Safra Sarasin fined 3 million francs for 'Car Washing' probe
The Swiss Attorney General has fined Swiss bank J. Safra Sarasin SA $4.3 million in a corruption and money-laundering case that lasted for years, involving Brazilian state oil company Petrobras. The highest Swiss prosecutor's office issued a statement in which it said that the bank settled with Petrobras - a claimant - for 16 million Swiss francs. It added that there was no need to pay any further compensation. Safra stated that the "ordinance" of the prosecutors does not represent an admission of guilt, or an acceptance of criminal or civil liability by the bank or its representatives. The statement stated that a former Safra Sarasin worker was sentenced to six months of custody with a suspension for money laundering crimes committed between November 2011, and July 2014, while working for another Swiss Bank, totaling $29.2 millions. It added that the money laundering against which Safra failed to take action around that time totalled $71 million. The statement said that the investigation covered several accounts at Safra, which were used to pay bribes to senior executives of Petrobras in order to secure contracts for 10 companies from the oil and construction sector. In 2019, the prosecutors began their investigation. The prosecution of the "Operation Car Wash" scheme has led to the arrest and imprisonment of the former Brazilian president Luiz inacio Lula da So, among other people. In Brazil, more than 130 businessmen and politicians have been found guilty. The prosecutor added that the fine is based on the corrective actions that the bank took since and that all parties have stated that they won't appeal the penalty.
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Scientist warns that hurricane risk to Gulf Coast is increasing 20 years after Katrina
A new study warns that the Gulf Coast of America is becoming increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes. This comes 20 years after Katrina destroyed New Orleans and hundreds of kilometers of coastline. Marc Bove is a German Reinsurer Munich Re meteorologist who warned that with time, the likelihood of major hurricanes making landfall in the area will increase and the effectiveness post-Katrina of flood defense systems would diminish. Katrina, the worst hurricane to ever hit the United States, made its debut in August 2005. It began in Florida, then intensified when it reached the Gulf of Mexico. The storm caused nearly 1,400 fatalities and a total of $205 billion, inflation-adjusted, in damage. "The hurricane risk is increasing, and it's not just in the Gulf area." Bove told. Bove stated that today's Katrina would cost more, and not just due to inflation. The flood protections in New Orleans will gradually erode due to rising sea levels and sinking ground levels. (Reporting and writing by Alexander Huebner, editing by Rachel More).
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Gold falls with Fed Chair Powell's Speech on Radar
Gold prices fell on Friday, as the U.S. Dollar strengthened. Investors were also awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to speak at the Jackson Hole Symposium for clues about the central bank's policy. Spot gold fell 0.5% to $3,322.43 an ounce at 8:43 am EDT (1243 GMT) while U.S. Gold Futures fell 0.5% to $3,364.20. Investors backed off rate-cut bets in anticipation of Powell's address at 10:00 a.m. ET (1400 GMT). Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole Economic Conference comes amid unprecedented pressure from President Donald Trump on the central banks. However, mixed economic data could pull Powell towards a middle-ground that leaves many major questions unresolved. David Meger is director of metals and futures trading at High Ridge Futures. Any signals about possible rate cuts this year may have a significant impact on gold prices. Even subtle hints will have an impact. "I believe we will see (Powell), take a more cautious stance, considering that two important pieces of economic information, the PCE report and the jobs report, still need to be submitted before the September meeting." CME's FedWatch showed that traders now see a 71.5% probability of a rate cut of 25 basis points in September. This is down from 85.4% one week ago. Gold is usually more profitable in low-interest rate environments, since it offers no yield and looks more attractive compared to other assets that pay interest. In other parts of Asia, gold demand was subdued as price volatility held buyers back. However, jewellers have resumed their purchases in India ahead of the festival season. Silver spot fell 1% to $37.78 an ounce. Platinum fell 1.1% to 1,338.25 and palladium dropped 0.5% to 1115.77. Ashitha Shivaprasad, Bengaluru (Reporting and Editing by Jan Harvey).
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Aldebaran, a Canadian company, plans to invest $1.5 billion in Argentina's copper project
Javier Robeto, the country manager of Aldebaran Resources Canada, said that at least $1.5 billion will be needed to develop the Altar copper project located in northern Argentina. Robeto stated that the company will include this figure in its preliminary assessment of September. This will show Altar has about 32 billion pounds copper resources and approximately 6.7 million ounces gold resources. Aldebaran does not know if it will be able to spend the money in time to qualify under RIGI (the government's incentive program), which provides long-term tax breaks as well as access to international dispute tribunals for investments above $200 million. The scheme will continue to accept applications until July 2026. There is a possibility of an additional year. It's not sure we'll make the cut. What happens if RIGI is stopped? Robeto explained that the tax burden would automatically return to 54%. RIGI has approved only two lithium mining projects so far, both of which were implemented in October by President Javier Milei. Glencore and McEwen Mining, among others who are working on copper projects, have also applied for the program. Robeto has not provided a timeline for the construction and production of Altar. The estimated lifespan is 20-25 years. The economic assessment includes two scenarios of copper production in either cathode or concentrate form. Robeto explained that the idea was to do a trade-off, examining both pros and cons. (Reporting and Writing by Lucila SIGAL, Editing by Jan Harvey).
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Rainforest to retail - Indonesian women protecting nature through work
Women use flowers and plants for ecoprinting Sustainable livelihoods protect at-risk rainforest Families can get help with food and school fees by receiving income By Leo Galuh A group of women who work in a conservation park located in Citalahab Sentral - a small village inside Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park - aims to show that nature protection and earning a living can be compatible. Ambu Halimun (which means "Mothers Of Halimun" is Sundanese) gathers foliage rich in natural colours and tannins. Ecoprinting is a technique that uses the flowers and leaves to transfer pigments onto the fabric. Ambu Halimun sells the skirts, scarves, and tote bag made from the intricately-printed fabric in international markets. The women have carved out a livelihood that is sustainable from the rainforest, without having to cut down trees or hunt wildlife. The group is still a small force, but it is growing. It is aiming to become a powerful enough force to make a difference in protecting Indonesia's natural environment. According to United Nations statistics, Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot. It has a large share of the global flora, fauna and flowering plants, including 17% of bird species. Orangutans and Javan gibbons, Sumatran Tigers and Sumatran tigers are just a few of the critically endangered species that live in its rainforests. Deforestation caused by mining, agriculture and infrastructure is a serious threat to biodiversity. Global Forest Watch reports that between 2002 and 2024 the country lost 10.7 millions hectares (26,4 million acres) in humid primary forest. The human population is growing but the land is limited. They will now be the ones to lead the conservation effort because they have the knowledge and skills to do so," says Rahayu Oktaviani. She is the co-founder of the Javan Gibbon Conservation group, Konservasi Ekosistem Alam Nusantara. JAVAN GIBBONS Citalahab Sentral, with fewer than 300 inhabitants, relies on small-scale farming and tea farming. Tourism through homestays, forest treks, and other activities is also available but it provides inconsistent income. The KIARA group started offering training to residents in ecoprinting and sewing, natural fertilizer production, English, and public speaking after the pandemic devastated local tourism. Tourism earnings are still far below the pre-pandemic level, despite a slow return of guests since 2022. Yuliana is a mother of 4 and a member of Ambu. She said that the income she received from her husband's homestay was not enough to cover daily expenses. She now prints fabrics with motifs of the flora. Yuliana (who goes by one name) said, "I had no idea that leaves would produce natural colors to make ecoprint." KIARA, together with the women, has identified at least 24 rainforest plants species that contain tannins - natural compounds which bind colors to fabrics and prolong their life. Members of Ambu Halimun sell their products through social media, as well as to tourists. They accept orders via Instagram, and prices range from 250,000 Rupiah ($15) up to 700,000. The group's ecoprint signature is a Javan Gibbon motif. Sharing stories about the gibbon habitat and the threats that it faces due to deforestation, hunting and other factors helps raise awareness of conservation in the local community. The gibbon, a small ape that has silver-grey hair and a black facial pattern, is in danger. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are only 4,000-4500 gibbons left in Indonesia. FOOD AND SCHOOL FEE Ambu Halimun's Wulan says her ecoprint earnings have made a real difference. She said that the majority of her family's expenditure is on food and school fees for her children. If he works for 20 days, her husband, who is a tea picker earns between 800,000.00 ($49) to 1,140.000 ($70). Many families borrow money in order to survive, and end up in debt. Ecoprint pays me 2 million Rupiah (122 dollars) every quarter. "It's enabled me to save," Wulan said as she removed the boiled marigold flower from the fabric. KIARA plans to expand its ecoprinting efforts, but its artisanal character means that its size will be restricted. Harumi Supit is vice president of Amartha Financial's public relations department. Amartha Financial provides services to more than 3.3 million women owned businesses in rural Indonesia. She said that to reach and sell in bigger markets, they require resources, transport and channels of distribution as well as careful planing. She said that maintaining quality standards is a challenge when you want to reach a wider audience. Ambu Halimun sold 41 pieces in 2020, and 237 the previous year. By mid-2025 it had reached 130 sales. Oktaviani said that KIARA’s role is to expand the group, encourage residents – especially women – to adapt to the post-pandemic changes in the economy and to find solutions within the environment. She said that they have an in-depth knowledge of the native plants. She said that the leaves used in ecoprint were often the same ones used traditionally for herbal remedies or as raw food. It's rooted into traditional knowledge which is slowly disappearing. She said that the project is not only helping to keep the forest intact but also empowers women, who "used to be tucked in the kitchen."
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Stocks on hold as traders wait for Powell's speech
The stock market was largely flat on Friday, as traders awaited the key speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell this weekend at the annual Jackson Hole Symposium that could shed some light on future monetary policy. Powell's previous speeches at this event have often moved the markets. This year's remarks will be closely scrutinized as his position is under heavy scrutiny from U.S. president Donald Trump. There are concerns that the Fed's autonomy could be threatened. Investors have reduced their bets that the Fed will cut rates at its September meeting due to a surge in U.S. Producer prices. This is down from 85% a week earlier. The Jackson Hole event also featured other Fed speakers who were lukewarm about the idea of a cut in September, despite recent signs that the U.S. labor market is weakening. Nabil Milali said that a cautious tone from Powell regarding the prospects of a September rate cut, deferring to future jobs and inflation data, could be enough to reduce market pricing down to a 50/50 call. Milali said that Powell could also decide to defend the Fed’s independence. He said that he believed the unofficial topic of this meeting was central banks' autonomy. MSCI's broadest global stock index was essentially flat for the day after European stocks rose in the morning before the speech. Wall Street futures are up between 0.1-0.2%. China's CSI 300 Index rose 2.1% after DeepSeek upgraded its flagship V3 AI Model and reported that Nvidia asked Foxconn suspend work on the H20 AI Chip, lending support for Chinese rivals. The dollar index (which measures the greenback versus six peers) edged up 0.1%, while the euro fell 0.1% to $1.15985, after an official revision showed that Germany's second-quarter economy contracted by 0.3%. Data from Japan showed that core consumer prices fell for the second consecutive month in July, but they remained above the central banks' 2% target. This has kept alive expectations of a rate increase in the near future. This did not help the yen much, as it was on track for a 1% drop for the week. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda is also scheduled to speak in Jackson Hole, Wyoming this weekend. Brent crude oil prices fell, Brent crude trading at $67.5 a barrel last, down 0.2% from Thursday's gains as Russia and Ukraine blamed one another for the stalled peace processes. Gold spot fell 0.2% to $3,330.9 an ounce.
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Copper prices rise on strong demand in advance of Powell's speech
The copper price rose for the third time in a row as China, the world's largest metals consumer, remained strong and investors hoped that a speech from U.S. Central Bank chief John Williams would indicate interest rate reductions. The benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.2% to $9,745 per metric ton. This is down from a high of $10,020.50 reached on July 2. It was its highest in more than three months. The Chinese demand for the metal remains healthy, according to Nitesh Sha, a commodity strategist with WisdomTree. Last month, U.S. president Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 50% on copper products. However, he excluded ores, concentrates, and cathodes. The Yangshan Copper Premium is a premium in China Since August 11,, which represents the demand for imported copper into China, is up 13% at $51 per ton. Investors await the speech of U.S. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell at the annual Jackson Hole Conference in Wyoming, due to start at 1400 GMT. Shah said that if there is any indication of a dovish tilt, it could be a very positive for copper prices because that would keep demand up. The dollar index was firmer on Friday, after some Fed officials were hesitant to cut rates next month. The dollar is stronger, and therefore the prices of commodities in U.S. dollars are higher for foreign buyers. LME aluminum also increased, adding 0.15%, to $2,589 per ton. Analysts at Guosen Futures on Friday said that the anticipation of a seasonal increase in demand next month could have helped to boost aluminium prices. Other metals include LME Zinc, which rose 0.8% to $2.787.50 per ton. Lead gained 0.6% at $1.981, Tin increased 0.1% at $33,465, while Nickel fell 0.1% at $14,920. (Reporting and editing by Jan Harvey; Additional reporting in Beijing by Amy Lv; Reporting by Eric Onstad)
Does the battle over LME aluminum stocks signal or cause noise? Andy Home
Where has all the aluminum gone? In the warehouses of London Metal Exchange (LME), there were 1.3 million tons of aluminium two years ago. Since then, the inventory has almost halved to levels last seen in 2020.
London's market is becoming more turbulent as traders compete for what's left. This may not be apparent at first glance, but the calm exterior masks a lot of turmoil.
Short-dated spreads are tightening and becoming volatile. While the LME outright three-month price has been tethered around $2,500 per ton, the LME three month price is still a sedate level.
LME's aluminium market has seen titanic battles for metal between traders with deep pockets. The game has taken on an entirely new dimension ever since the exchange in April of last year banned the delivery of new Russian aluminum.
This latest LME stock battle echoes past LME battles, but this time the LME noise could be masking an essential market signal.
A LARGE MARK, LARGE POSTIONS
The biggest base metals market in the world is aluminium, with an annual consumption of about 100 million tons. Aluminium traders are known to have taken outlandishly big positions on the London market.
This mega-long position has been roiling nearby spreads over the past month.
The benchmark period is three months of cash
Last week, the "tom-next spread", which is the cost of rolling over a position and a reliable indication of market stress was traded at a backwardation of $12.30 per ton.
There is no doubt that someone is looking to buy a large amount of aluminium, but the LME has only 321,800 tonnes of metal available in its warehouses. Two-thirds are Russian.
In April of last year, Russian metal was banned from the United States and United Kingdom. It is now subject to quotas and a complete ban in Europe will be implemented at the end 2026. This makes it less desirable.
There's no way to tell how many of the 323,000 tonnes of metal in LME storage that are also Russian, but there is no indication of the metal being moved to warrant to ease the spread tightness.
If the goal of the squeeze is to get metal out of deep non-LME shadow storage, then it does not seem to work. So far, this month's arrivals have been a mere 150 tons.
The LME ban on Russian metal after April 13, 2020 may hinder the normal functioning of the LME stock grab trade. This is to tighten the spreads in order to force holders of metal to release it.
This assumes that there are a large number of aluminum products, Russian or otherwise, available for LME deliveries.
CHINA'S IMPORT AFFECTION GROWS
This assumption is beginning to seem a bit questionable given the absence of significant arrivals in the LME system of any type of aluminium since March.
China's imports of Russian metal so far in this year indicate that even Russian metal is in high demand.
Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022, the country has absorbed Russian aluminium that was shunned in the West.
Imports of Russian aluminum primary by China grew from 291,000 tonnes in 2021, to 1,13 million tons in 2020. In 2025, the pace of growth has increased again. Imports increased by 48% on an annual basis to 741,000 tonnes in January-April.
The structural changes in aluminium supply are the main reason for China's appetite to import metal.
The smelters of the country are close to reaching the 45 million tons annual cap set by government. Since the beginning of the year, the national annualised run rate has remained at around 44 million tons.
The domestic market for primary metals is tightening up against a backdrop that includes a robust demand from solar energy.
The Shanghai Futures Exchange has seen stocks fall to their lowest level in 16 months, 110,000 tons. Also, the curve for forward trading is now backwardated.
SCRAP WARS
China's stated strategy is to increase secondary production of recyclable metals to compensate for the cap in primary metal production.
This may become more difficult as recyclable materials flow to the United States, because they are exempted from the tariffs of 50% imposed by Donald Trump's administration.
The second major structural shift could lead to a tightening of the global scrap supply, which would force processors outside the United States to use more primary material.
The scrap flows to China, which is the largest buyer in the world, could be further disrupted by the European Union imposing export tariffs. This would stop what they call "scrap leakage". The United States is now the threat. Originally, it was China.
Testing Availability
This latest mega-trade to grab a piece of the available stock is just the latest in an extensive history of mega-trades.
It doesn't seem to be drawing any metal into the system.
This story may have a Russian twist, but it is also a test to see if the market can be supplied. So far, supply has not been satisfactory.
The LME stock churn will appear more like a signal of a downtrend in the LME's inventory the longer it continues.
The author is a columnist at
(source: Reuters)