What’s driving prices down in the metals market? : NPR

August 4, 2023

what is going on with precious metals

Thorne also issued a strong warning about the potential for deflation, a period of sustained decline in prices and economic activity. “That’s why gold is so good… that is why Bitcoin is so good it’s a really stable store of value.” 40 different types of arbitrage trading strategies In a recent interview on the Soar Financially, Jim Thorne, Chief Market Strategist at Wellington Altus, issued a stark warning about the current economic landscape, predicting a shift towards a new economic order.

Gold And Silver Prices, News and Quotes

The country’s real estate sector is in notoriously poor shape, and investors there have been reallocating their money into assets considered relatively stable and safe. The performance and share price trajectory of any company in precious metals, of course, depends a great deal on the demand south african rand price action setups for those materials. Happily for Hecla, Sibanye Stillwater, Ero, and their many peers, they are having quite the run lately. And because of this, we’re seeing what finance people like to call a flight to quality. But since March, even gold has been in free fall, along with the rest of the metals market. As we move through 2025, it will be crucial to monitor these forecasts and analyze key market developments.

About our Precious Metals news

  • Total silver supply has actually declined over the past decade, dropping from 1.07 billion ounces in 2010 to an estimated 1.03 billion ounces in 2024.
  • Companies like Tesla are working to develop nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) batteries in their effort to reduce dependence on cobalt and further improve overall battery performance.
  • He criticized the current monetary policies as misguided, arguing that they are artificially suppressing interest rates and creating an environment ripe for economic instability.
  • Gold prices surpassed US$1,900 per ounce in early June—the highest since January 2021—driven by jewelry demand in China, investment inflows, and lower real interest rates.
  • In fact, lithium carbonate demand has already reached 850,000 mt LCE in 2024, up 44% year over year, according to SMM’s latest figures.
  • This trend is expected to continue, as 2024 consumption is projected to reach 1.21 billion ounces.
  • With such huge demand and an inability to meet that demand with supply, this is expected to continue driving the prices of lithium upward into 2025.

SMM’s Nickel Industry Chain Annual Report predicted continued growth in nickel sulfate demand due to EV industry expansion and transition to bigger and stronger batteries. In fact, lithium carbonate demand has already reached 850,000 mt LCE in 2024, up 44% year over year, according to SMM’s latest figures. With major automakers Tesla, BYD, and Volkswagen producing units with vigor, lithium suppliers just can’t produce this much-needed metal fast enough. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the leading country in the production of cobalt and provides a high share, at about 60%, to the entire world supply.

  • I feel it is, not least because Fed officials have see-sawed back and forth somewhat about their eagerness for those rate cuts, and meanwhile, overseas investors and central banks remain jittery.
  • With major automakers Tesla, BYD, and Volkswagen producing units with vigor, lithium suppliers just can’t produce this much-needed metal fast enough.
  • Until 2025, these metals are forecasted to keep being in essential demand for battery production in view of the increasing supply chain constraints and price volatility.
  • And because of this, we’re seeing what finance people like to call a flight to quality.
  • MetalsDaily.com brings you all the latest live gold news, headlines, data analysis and information from the global gold markets.
  • When interest rates are cut, the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like silver decreases.
  • Silver’s dual role as both an industrial metal and a precious metal makes it particularly sensitive to a wide range of economic and geopolitical factors.

Silver Price Predictions

Russia’s recent announcement to expand its precious metals holdings with silver is a notable example. Gold prices surpassed US$1,900 per ounce in early June—the highest since January 2021—driven by jewelry demand in China, investment inflows, and lower real interest rates. Chinese holiday- and wedding-related jewelry purchases provided support for gold prices, but this was offset by muted Indian demand due to surging COVID-19 infections.

End the Fed? Why America’s backup plan may be its gold stash – Peter St Onge

According to SMM, lithium supplies will likely be tight globally, producing pricing volatility plus potential supply chain risks. EV battery companies can hedge identified risks through long-term contracts, diversified supplies. MetalsDaily.com brings you all the latest live platinum and palladium news, headlines, data analysis and information from the global PGM markets. Keep up to date with the largest and fastest source of platinum and palladium market news information provided by Sharps Pixley.

The interplay between industrial demand, investment interest, and supply constraints will likely determine whether silver can reach the higher price targets set by What makes a good trader some analysts. The outlook for silver in 2025 appears bullish, with most predictions indicating significant potential for price appreciation. The combination of growing industrial demand, particularly in green technologies, and potential supply constraints creates a favorable environment for higher silver prices. MetalsDaily.com brings you all the latest live gold news, headlines, data analysis and information from the global gold markets.

what is going on with precious metals

This feed delivers timely insights into the factors influencing prices, mining operations, and global demand for precious metals, making it a vital resource for investors, traders, and enthusiasts alike. Global tensions and political uncertainties continue to influence precious metals markets, with Russia and Mexico – accounting for nearly 21% of global silver production – facing ongoing conflicts and regulatory changes. Current geopolitical risks in key mining regions could drive increased safe-haven demand, particularly given that Mexico’s recent mining reforms have already impacted approximately 5% of projected 2024 output. Metals Daily provide PGM investors with the latest platinum and palladium prices, breaking gold news, data analysis and precious metal information so your investment decisions are informed and up to date. MetalsDaily.com provide gold investors with the latest gold prices, breaking gold news, data analysis and precious metal information so your investment decisions are informed and up to date. With over 100 analysts in lithium, cobalt, nickel, and many other industries, SMM provides unparalleled industry intelligence.

Can this rise last?

Its Database Pro and Metals Industry Database provide real-time access to 15,000+ metal prices and 150,000+ databases respectively and are a must-have for anyone in the metals supply chain. The other significant metal for the production of lithium-ion batteries, specifically high-energy-density batteries for EVs, is nickel. According to SMM, on January 15, 2025, the average price of SMM 1 nickel was USD 15,518.99/mt, slightly down from the previous day. Despite such fluctuations, nickel is one of those metals contributing immensely to huge demand in fulfilling the rising requirements of energy storage for electric vehicles. Despite the obvious surge in demand, lithium production has been plagued by a number of factors. China, which dominates the global lithium market, has increased its cost for the extraction and production of raw materials.