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Iron ore at 2-1/2- month low as lukewarm steel need, firmer dollar weigh

Costs of iron ore futures extended losses on Monday to their lowest levels in more than 2 months, took down by indications of dull steel consumption in top customer China and a stronger U.S. dollar.

The most-traded September iron ore contract on China's. Dalian Product Exchange (DCE) closed daytime trade. 3.11% lower at 795.5 yuan ($ 109.55) a metric heap, at its least expensive. because April 9.

The benchmark July iron ore on the Singapore. Exchange fell 2.33% to $102.55 a load, as the of 0724 GMT, the. most affordable given that April 8.

Numerous areas have actually been struck by heats and heavy. rains, resulting in temporary suspension of activities in some. building websites, analysts at Everbright Futures said, including. that steel need stayed controlled, dragging down iron ore. rates.

Iron ore bulls have actually been stubbornly holding out hope in. vain for any further supportive measures, which may support. China's crumbling home sector as the last bastion of hope. for any possible recovery in construction activity, said. Atilla Widnell, handling director at Navigate Commodities.

Regrettably, all roads and metrics are leading towards a. heavy contraction in sector activity for 2024. Moreover, looming. domestic home designer liquidations and winding up orders. now present formerly unfathomable headwinds for regional. construction steel intake.

A firmer U.S. dollar weighed down broad products. consisting of iron ore and steel, stated analysts, as a more powerful. greenback makes dollar-denominated products less attractive. for holders of other currencies.

Other steelmaking active ingredients on the DCE retreated further,. with coking coal and coke down 2.34% and. 2.14%, respectively.

Steel criteria on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were. weaker. Rebar dropped 1.51%, hot-rolled coil. shed 1.11%, wire rod lost 2.07% and stainless steel. was little bit changed.

We do not think there will be a large room for a further. decrease in rebar cost as it has been rather close to the. production expense based upon valley power cost and there is no big. drag in basics, said Cheng Peng, a Beijing-based expert. at Sinosteel Futures.

(source: Reuters)