Trump May Keep Copper Traders Guessing on Tariffs
The president’s economic goals might be best served by continued ambiguity on import levies.
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The president’s economic goals might be best served by continued ambiguity on import levies.
Pakistan’s inflation accelerated to the highest in two years as the war in the Middle East pushed up energy import costs.
We talk about the commodity supply chain all the time. We talk about the ports and the trucks and the ships and all of that. But there's another dimension to moving commodities all around the world, which is actually paying for it. Who funds the oil tanker and what happens when that tanker is, say, stuck in the Strait of Hormuz? Commodity finance underpins production, transportation and storage of a wide variety of the things that make the modern world, but you tend to only hear about it when things go wrong. Today we speak with Lewis Hart, head of corporate advisory and banking at Brown Brothers Harriman. We discuss how the business of commodity finance actually works, how risk is priced, what makes for a good or bad warehouse, and the difference between financing a commodity you can hedge (like oil) versus one where there's no futures market (like cashews). (Source: Bloomberg)
Euro-area consumers’ expectations for inflation in three years fell slightly in April, offering some relief to the European Central Bank, though policymakers are still likely to raise interest rates next week.
We talk about the commodity supply chain all the time. We talk about the ports and the trucks and the ships and all of that. But there’s another dimension to moving commodities all around the world, which is actually paying for it. Who funds the oil tanker and what happens when that tanker is, say, stuck in the Strait of Hormuz? Commodity finance underpins production, transportation and storage of a wide variety of the things that make the modern world, but you tend to only hear about it when th
Russia banned exports of jet fuel through end-November to avoid shortages at home after Ukraine intensified attacks on the nation’s refineries.
Global markets are grappling with US-Iran standoff uncertainty, with conflicting signals leaving investors hesitant. Despite geopolitical tensions, oil prices remain below extreme forecasts, cushioning global markets. Near-term caution is advised due to stretched valuations and inflation concerns, though India's underperformance is linked to weak foreign inflows.
France’s navy boarded another oil tanker on the high seas after it sailed from Russia, the latest move in a global crackdown on shadow-fleet vessels used to export sanctioned crude.
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President Prabowo’s new initiative reflects a broader effort to address fragmented oversight, reduce commodity leakage, and strengthen his country's role in global supply chains.
President Prabowo’s new initiative reflects a broader effort to address fragmented oversight, reduce commodity leakage, and strengthen his country's role in global supply chains.
Textile stocks such as Gokaldas Exports, KPR Mill, Vardhman Textiles and Trident rallied up to 8% after the government exempted cotton imports from customs duty for five months, effective June 1. The move, valid until October 30, is expected to improve raw material availability and lower input costs for textile and apparel manufacturers, particularly small and medium enterprises.
Fayard is only remaining EU yard taking on dry-dock work for ships carrying gas exported from Siberia
Copper advanced in New York and London to kick off a crucial month that should deliver more clarity on the Trump administration’s plans for levies on imports of the metal to the US.
Former US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell used one of his first major public appearances since leaving office to defend independent institutions while accepting an award Sunday honouring his efforts to preserve the central bank’s independence. Speaking at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Powell called universities, courts, Congress and the central bank “the foundation and the embodiment of our democracy” and argued that the Fed’s independence was a “priceless asset” that must be...
The Australian dollar may have further scope to fall against the kiwi as traders unwind bearish positions in New Zealand’s currency following a hawkish shift from the nation’s central bank, analysts said.
India's Q4 earnings show recovery signs, with Nifty 100 profits up 13%. However, macro headwinds like rising crude oil prices and a depreciating rupee pose risks. Marcellus Investment Managers identifies three key themes for investors: private sector financials, healthcare, and manufactured exports, highlighting their compelling valuations and structural growth prospects amidst a challenging market.
The European Central Bank can no longer look through the inflationary impact of the war in Iran as price pressures spread beyond energy and the risk of unanchored inflation expectations rises, according to Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel.
Asian markets rose Monday, buoyed by AI demand, despite Middle East tensions impacting oil prices. Investors await U.S. payrolls data, with the Federal Reserve's rate hike outlook influencing currency markets. Gold remained stable as inflation hedges saw little support.
Former chair says Donald Trump’s attempts to fire central bankers undermine the rule of law
Corporate India's March quarter net profit surged 25.3%, driven by non-operating factors, masking operating challenges like rising input costs that squeezed margins. While FY27 outlook is positive with infrastructure focus, risks include commodity inflation and geopolitical issues. Sector-specific performance is expected, with metals and energy poised for growth.
Bond traders are looking to a key jobs report this week to confirm their wagers that the US economy is strong enough to push the Federal Reserve to lift interest rates by next year.
India's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Oman comes into effect on June 1, granting New Delhi 100% duty-free access for 98.08% of tariff lines, covering 99.38% of export value. This pact significantly boosts Indian exports across various sectors and enhances mobility for professionals, while also making certain Omani products cheaper for Indian consumers.
The Indian government is scrutinizing over 500 imported products, including machinery, fertilizers, and electronics, to identify opportunities for domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. This initiative aims to curb the country's import bill and bolster supply resilience, with a focus on sectors like electronics and chemicals where import dependence is high but export potential is also significant.
Equity markets saw broad-based selling pressure after weak monsoon forecasts raised concerns over food inflation, though falling crude oil prices and easing bond yields helped limit downside risks. Investors now await key domestic triggers, including the RBI policy decision and GDP data, while analysts have flagged YES Bank and NBCC as stocks with strong short-term bullish momentum and upside potential.
When China broke out one of its “big guns” in last year’s trade war with the US – an array of export controls on rare earth elements – it helped spur a temporary truce in the pitched conflict between the two economic superpowers. After Beijing’s announcement, many around the world expressed shock at the size and scope of China’s response to Washington’s sky-high tariffs. But for Japan, a squeeze on rare earth shipments was not so novel a concept. In 2010, following the collision of a Chinese...
Global markets face AI optimism and inflation anxiety. Charlie Munger's insights on human misjudgment offer a survival guide. Higher interest rates, concentrated mega-cap liquidity, and retail participation drive current trends. Investors must manage emotional distortions like envy and FOMO. The Lollapalooza effect amplifies biases. Overconfidence from past gains is risky. Avoiding pain too aggressively can lead to underperformance.
Global markets rallied as oil prices hit seven-week lows. Hopes for a peace deal between the US, Israel, and Iran eased inflation fears. Brent crude and WTI saw sharp declines. Diplomatic efforts continue, but differing descriptions of a potential deal persist. Geopolitical tensions remain a factor. Analysts suggest restoring normal shipping could take months.
The Indian rupee experienced a sharp decline in 2026, nearing Rs. 97 against the US dollar before a slight recovery. This depreciation, driven by import reliance, trade deficits, and global tensions, has significantly impacted commodity prices, pushing inflation higher. While the RBI intervenes, the rupee faces a mild depreciating bias.
Indian markets are watching US economic indicators next week. Investors are concerned about rising inflation and potential interest rate hikes. The upcoming jobs report and Broadcom's earnings will be crucial. These events could impact the ongoing rally in US stocks. Market participants are closely monitoring these developments for future investment decisions.
Indonesia lost nearly US$1 trillion in resource wealth over a 34-year period due to deceptive trade practices, President Prabowo Subianto declared in parliament on May 20. That same day, a set of new export controls was unveiled. Foreign-exchange earnings would be locked in Indonesian banks for a prescribed time limit and producers of coal, palm oil and ferroalloys would be required to route sales through a new state-owned enterprise. But barely had the ink dried on the new rules when talk of...