Posts Tagged ‘NYMEX’
Outlook for Demand Pushes Copper & Wheat Up, Oil Down
Copper extended its rally today after data on nonfarm payrolls eased concerns for US economy. The report on employment change released today showed much smaller decline of work places than was estimated (54,000 compared to predicted 101,000). December futures for copper delivery advanced $0.0125 (0.4 percent) to $3.508 per pound by 10:24 on COMEX.
Wheat prices advanced today as demand for supplies from the US increased after Russia extended its ban on exports. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced yesterday that Russia would extend a
Crude oil fell today as decline of service industries in the US caused speculation that demand may drop. The Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers’ Index showed a decrease from 54.3 to 51.5 in August. October delivery for crude oil fell $1.51 (2 percent) to $73.51 per barrel as of 11:53 on NYMEX.
Copper & Oil Declines on Economic Reports from US
Copper prices declined today after the report of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia showed that US manufacturing activity unexpectedly slowed in August. Philadelphia Fed index dropped from 5.1 to -7.7 this month. Median forecast was an increase to 7.1. A figure below 0.0 indicates worsening conditions. December futures for copper delivery slid $0.023 (0.7 percent) to $3.3475 per pound by 10:29 on COMEX.
Philadelphia Fed report, together with an increasing number of unemployment claims, also drove down prices for crude oil. Claims for jobless benefit jumped from 488,000 to 500,000 last week. It was even more frustrating, considering that analysts promised a decline to 478k, not an increase. Signs of economic slowdown suggest that demand for commodities, including copper and oil, may wane. October settlement for crude oil went down $1.34 (1.8 percent) to $75.13 per barrel on ICE.
Crude Oil Falls as Growth of Supplies Outpaces Demand
Crude oil fell today as reports showed that US oil and motor gasoline inventories declined less then expected, while US stockpiles of petroleum and distillate fuel increased. US crude oil inventories decreased by 0.8 million barrels from the previous week to 354.2 million barrels, while a decrease by 1.1 million was expected. Gasoline inventories fell 39,000 barrels to 223.3 million, compared to a predicted drop by 375,000. Stockpiles of distillate fuel went up 1.07 million barrels to 174.2 million and petroleum inventories increased by 5.3 million barrels last week.
Analysts say that demand remained strong and even grows, it’s just that growth of supplies outpaced demand. Total US fuel consumption grew 0.4 percent to 19.6 million barrels per day in the last month, while gasoline demand rose 6,000 barrels per day at the same time to 9.45 million, the highest level since August 2008. Reports showed a mixed picture, where balance of supply and demand may easily shift, so oil prices may move in any direction in the future. Prices advance can be limited, though, by concerns for the global economic recovery.
September delivery for crude oil slipped $0.35 (0.5 percent) to $75.42 per barrel on NYMEX. Futures reached $73.83, the lowest price since July 7. Oil prices are still 9 percent higher than at the same period in the previous year.
Crude Oil Rises, Nickel Falls on Demand Outlook
Crude oil rose today as a rally of global stock markets improved confidence in sustainability of the global economic recovery, increasing demand for fuel. The S&P 500 rose 1.4 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.2 percent. Oil also gained after the dollar dropped, increasing attractiveness of commodities as an alternative investment. September delivery for crude oil gained $1.16 (1.5 percent) to $76.40 per barrel by 11:23 on NYMEX.
Nickel prices fell on outlook that demand for stainless steel, the main source of consumption for the metal, would weaken. Demand from China, the largest consumer, will stay at 377,000 tons this year. Global nickel consumption will slow to 8.4 percent in this quarter, down by almost half from the previous quarter. Nickel spot price closed yesterday at $21,479 on LME. Prices may reach $17,030, the lowest level since February, before rebounding.
Copper & Oil Fall on Signs of Lower Demand in China & US
Crude oil declined today for a second day on concerns that slower economic growth in China and the US will damp demand.
Copper prices also fell on concerns for the global economy. The metal prices slid after the Federal Reserve said that the US economic recovery would be “more modest” and as pace of China’s industrial output growth was slowest in 11 months. Copper also dropped as the dollar surged. September futures for copper delivery went down $0.0705 (2.1 percent) to $3.242 per pound as of 11:22 on COMEX.
Recovery Concerns Push Gold Higher, Oil & Copper Lower
Concerns about the global recovery and the recovery in the US pushed gold prices higher today. A decision of the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates at record low levels and speculation that the US government would continue to print money to support economy increased concerns about sustainability of the US economic expansion and drove traders to seek safety, increasing appeal of gold. Previously gold declined as the dollar strengthened. December futures for gold delivery reached $1,207.60 per ounce by 15:12 on COMEX.
Some other commodities, particularly crude oil and copper, reacted much more negatively on pessimistic sentiment across markets. Demand for crude oil depends on the global economic health, and with grim outlook for recovery demand will likely wane. Copper prices were hit not only by news from US, but also but expectations of lower imports in China. Spot price for crude oil was $80.36 per barrel on NYMEX, while copper futures fell $0.0415 cents (1.2 percent) to $3.3125 per pound as of 13:28 on COMEX.
Crude Oil Rises, But Can It Sustain Its Growth?
Crude oil gained today after weaker dollar and improving confidence in economic growth increased appeal of the commodity. Initial unemployment claims in the U.S. decreased to 457,000 in the week ending July 24 from the previous week’s revised figure of 468,000. Unemployment in Germany also decreased, falling by 20,000.
The weaker dollar spurred commodity prices. Extensive buying of energy commodities by investment funds also bolstered oil prices.
Positive news from financial markets drew attention away from potentially negative factors. Among such factors are increasing inventories and imports of crude oil in the U.S. Increasing supplies also may show negative influence in the future. OPEC output grew by 80,000 barrels (0.3 percent) to an average 29.24 million barrels per day.
September delivery for crude oil rose by $1.37 to $78.36 per barrel on NYMEX. Prices were up 3.6 percent this month.
Demand for Gold Wanes, Platinum Rises
Gold fell today as need for the metal as an alternative currency declined after Europe’s economy signaled that it might retain its strength. Stress tests showed that most European banks are able to withstand a financial crisis. Economists recommend reducing gold holdings and watching euro moves. August futures for gold delivery slid $2.10 (0.2 percent) to $1,185.70 per ounce by 11:44 a.m. on COMEX. The precious metal changed little last week and expected to traded in a range between $1,175 and $1,205.
Platinum fared significantly better. Platinum prices were boosted by concern about possible strike at Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., the second largest producer of the metal in the world. Discussions to resolve issues with payment have failed and tomorrow more than 18,000 workers may go on strike. October futures for platinum delivery gained $9.10 (0.6 percent) to $1,551.90 per ounce on NYMEX.
Gold Rises, Sugar & Copper Go Down
Gold gained today as the concern that the rescue package, offered to Greece, won’t be enough to deal with the nation’s debt increased the appeal of the precious metal as a safe haven. Worries about a budget deficit are spreading to other European countries and also to U.K., driving investors to look for alternative assets and a safe haven. June futures for gold delivery gained $3 (0.3 percent) to $1,142.20 per ounce by 11:20 on NYMEX.
Sugar dropped to the weekly low in London on speculation that India may cut imports of the sweetener after its own sugar production increased. The India’s production may rise to 23 million tons in the year starting October 1st as there should be enough rains for the expected harvest. August futures for refined sugar delivery dropped $3.30 (0.7 percent) to $486.40 per metric ton at 15:18 on Liffe exchange.
Copper declined on speculation that demand for the metal may fall after China toughened rules for lending and property markets. Measures taken by China’s government should cool the nation’s economy, possibly resulting in falling demand and sinking price for commodities. Delivery for copper in three months declined $15 (0.2 percent) to $7,775 per metric ton as of 17:09 on the London Metal Exchange.
Copper Advances; Sugar Drops on Retreating Deficit
Copper advanced on speculation that the demand for metals will increase as the global economic recovery expanding. The demand surge mainly originates from Asia, particularly China. The Japan’s shipments of wire and cable, made from copper, rose 13 percent in March from the previous year. July futures for copper delivery advanced $0.0175 (0.5 percent) to $3.5355 per pound on NYMEX.
Sugar futures dropped on the outlook for the recovering output in India, the largest consumer and
