While global wheat output looked resilient earlier this year, emerging drought pressures in major producing regions and export disruptions are creating tighter exportable supplies a condition markets are increasingly aware of. Droughts Eye Major Wheat Regions Key bread-basket regions are showing signs of stress: In Rostov, Russia one of the world’s largest wheat export provinces authorities declared a state of emergency due to severe drought, compromising crop conditions. In

After two years of relentless expansion, the electric vehicle metals market  is entering a more volatile phase. With China reducing EV subsidies  and shifting focus toward industrial self sufficiency, global demand for lithium, nickel, and cobalt has cooled even as Western producers warn that supply constraints remain long term Demand Cooldown in China According to the latest Reuters and Bloomberg coverage, China’s EV sales growth slowed sharply in October November 2025 follo

Global commodities markets are showing increasing signs of supply-side stress, driven in large part by strong purchasing activity from China and India and persistent infrastructure investment in emerging economies. This surge in demand for raw materials is beginning to shift market dynamics even as global growth shows signs of slowing. Growing Demand from Major Emerging Economies Analysts point to India’s expanding steel and manufacturing sectors as a key driver: according to

Gold has reclaimed its place as the global system’s silent stabilizer, with central banks quietly accumulating reserves  while investors recalibrate portfolios around inflation and currency risk. The pattern, steady and strategic, reflects growing preference for tangible assets over financial paper in an era of political and monetary uncertainty. Central Banks Accumulate at Record Pace According to the World Gold Council, official gold purchases have remained historically hig

Commodities markets are stabilizing as investors balance safe-haven positioning  with a broader return of risk appetite following progress in U.S. political negotiations and a calmer global tone. Gold, oil, and key industrial metals are each trading in narrower ranges after several volatile sessions dominated by political uncertainty and shifting interest rate expectations. Gold Supported by Steady Demand Gold continues to attract moderate safe-haven flows , supported by a so

Jefferies analysts say the U.S. is entering a new phase in its critical-minerals strategy , with policy shifts aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains and securing access to rare materials vital for energy transition and defense. The Policy Pivot The report highlights how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) , the Defense Production Act (DPA) , and the Department of Energy’s loan programs  are working together to reshape global mining and processing priorities. Under

Industrial metals slid this week as a global tech led market correction  rippled through commodities, with traders pulling back from cyclical assets amid fears of slower manufacturing demand and tightening liquidity. Market Pressure Builds Copper, aluminum, and zinc typically viewed as leading indicators of economic health all drifted lower as risk sentiment deteriorated . The move followed sharp losses in tech and semiconductor stocks, which spilled over into raw material ma

Natural gas prices slipped this week as unseasonably mild temperatures  across North America and Europe reduced heating demand, while high storage levels left little urgency among buyers. After months of supply fears, the market has shifted toward surplus management, with traders now betting on softer winter consumption. Weather and Demand Softness Forecasts for a warm start to November across major consuming regions pushed utilities to delay spot purchases. European gas hubs

Global wheat prices  crept higher this week as worsening weather in key growing regions and tightening export routes reignited supply concerns. After months of stable trade, markets are once again facing the dual shock of climate volatility and logistical strain a combination that’s beginning to ripple through global food costs. Weather Woes and Crop Damage Meteorological reports from the U.S. Midwest and parts of Eastern Europe point to excessive rainfall and early frost ,

The global copper market faced fresh tension today after Glencore announced it may close Canada’s largest copper smelter  due to surging operational costs and weak refining margins. The move adds yet another layer of supply uncertainty to a market already under pressure from constrained mining output and rising demand from the green energy sector. The story so far Glencore’s Horne smelter  in Quebec has been operating for nearly a century, processing both mined ore and recycl

Oil prices steadied after a choppy week, with traders weighing OPEC’s renewed production discipline  against persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uneven demand signals from Asia. The mood in energy markets is cautious, but not pessimistic there’s a sense that the next move could come suddenly if supply tightens or global growth picks up. OPEC and Supply Discipline OPEC+ producers confirmed they would maintain existing production targets, signaling confidenc

Commodity markets showed a split personality today following the Federal Reserve’s latest policy move. The rate cut coupled with a signal that further easing isn’t guaranteed sparked opposite reactions across major raw materials. Growth linked commodities gained modest traction, while safe haven assets paused after recent rallies. Industrial metals benefited the most, with traders betting that even a limited improvement in liquidity could reignite manufacturing demand in key

Commodities diverged this week as investors rotated away from safety and into growth linked assets. Gold  slipped to $4,000/oz, pressured by stronger equities and reduced geopolitical tension, while copper  climbed above $5.14/lb, boosted by renewed optimism around Chinese stimulus and improving global trade sentiment. What’s Moving Markets Risk shift:  Investors continue to unwind safe haven trades as stock markets hit multi-month highs. The appetite for riskier assets, suc

Copper prices climbed sharply on Monday, touching a five month high above $4.45 per pound , as investors priced in renewed optimism for global trade and fresh signs of economic support from China. The red metal often called “Dr. Copper”  for its reputation as a barometer of global growth is benefiting from both cyclical demand recovery and supply constraints. What’s driving the rally China stimulus speculation:  Reports indicate that Beijing is considering a new infrastructur

Oil markets experienced a meaningful uptick as trade deal optimism between the U.S. and China improved demand outlooks, yet, supply fundamentals continue to exert pressure. Recent developments Brent crude rose to ~$66.41/barrel today after trade deal signals reduced demand fears. U.S. West Texas Intermediate moved toward ~$61.94. At the same time, analysts flagged persistent oversupply risk, especially from non OPEC producers. Structural view Demand tailwind, improved global

The U.S. natural-gas sector is in the midst of a deal-making boom, with $30 billion in deals  logged in the first nine months of 2025 (up from ~$22.5 billion last year). This surge is driven by a trio of forces: booming AI data centre power demand , rapidly expanding LNG exports  (especially to Asia), and renewed interest in U.S. feedstock from foreign investors. Details of the move The U.S., already the world’s largest LNG exporter, is lifting nameplate capacity to ~115 mill

Oil prices surged by nearly 3% in early trade after the U.S. government announced fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. The sanctions add a renewed layer of supply risk to global energy markets, which had already been jittery amid shifting trade and macro trends. Supply Shock & Market Reaction The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the above firms and 34 of their Russian-based subsidiaries, freezing U

In an unusual development, Indian demand for silver is combining with supply constraints to create what analysts are calling a “perfect storm”. The squeeze is rippling across global markets. What’s happening India, a major consumer of silver (for jewelry, investment, industrial uses), is seeing heightened demand. Supply is under pressure, global mining and recycling are not keeping pace, tightening available silver supply. The result: sharp upward pressure on silver prices, w

According to the International Monetary Fund, global growth is set to decelerate modestly over the next two years reflecting structural headwinds despite pockets of resilience. Key Takeaways Global growth projected at ~3.2% in 2025 and ~3.1% in 2026. Advanced economy growth is expected around ~1.5% while emerging markets growth just above ~4%. Implications & Risks Slim margins for error: slow growth limits policy room and increases the importance of non-cyclical investment th

Global hedge funds are making a strong comeback in the Hong Kong equity market, reengaging in local listings at the highest rate since 2021. This signals renewed confidence in Asian capital markets after a period of relative dormancy. Key Takeaways Hedge fund participation in Hong Kong IPOs has risen to ~14% of total flows, approaching 2021 levels. Financial Times The shift comes as firms like Oaktree Capital Management and Millennium Management act as cornerstone investors i