|

Iron-ore keeps rallying amid strengthening Chinese steel demand

Amid a commodities supercycle underway this year, iron-ore prices are not left behind, as they renew record highs on Monday, surging past $220 in Singapore.

Futures in Singapore jumped more than 10% in a matter of minutes to record all-time highs at $226. The relentless rise in iron-ore prices comes on the back of China’s steel boom. Iron-ore is an essential raw material for manufacturing steel.

Chinese steel mills are scurrying for stockpiling Australian high-grade ore in case trade restrictions are imposed, especially in light of China’s suspension of all activities relating to the Sino-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue last week.

Further, a solid Chinese economic recovery combined with massive stimulus also aids the bullish momentum in the ferrous metal.

According to S&P Global Platts, “Appetite for steel has been far beyond expectations as China returned to work. They are keen to produce as much as they can, regardless of the price of ore.”

Last week, copper refreshed record highs, thanks to rising expectations of a faster global economic recovery.

Despite the surge in the iron-ore prices, AUD/USD has failed to capitalize on it so far this Monday, as the aussie retreats from three-month highs of 0.7863.

Author

Dhwani Mehta

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

More from Dhwani Mehta
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD loses momentum, flirts with 1.3200

GBP/USD is struggling to maintain its positive bias on Thursday, retreating toward the 1.3200 region in response to the pick in the buying interest around the Greenback. That said, Cable remains under scrutiny as cautious market sentiment keeps investors focused on the US-Iran conflict and political effervescence in the UK.

EUR/USD trims gains, challenges 1.1400

EUR/USD now gives away part of its earlier advance, receding toward the 1.1400 contention zone on Thursday. Meanwhile, the pair’s recovery comes amid extra losses in the US Dollar, at the time when while investors continue to monitor developments in the Middle East and sentiment surrounding global technology stocks.

Gold remains bid and close to $4,100

Gold accelerates its recovery and approaches the key $4,000 mark per troy ounce at the end of the week, adding to Thursday’s advance. However, expectations for a hawkish Fed remain steady and keep the yellow metal’s potential upside contained.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin at $60,000, Ethereum at $1,500, and XRP at $1 face a make-or-break test

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP) are trading in the red on Friday after three consecutive days of losses, testing their respective make-or-break support levels.

Week ahead – NFP report to challenge Dollar strength and the hawkish Fed

Dollar strength dominates markets, as the hawkish Fed overshadows geopolitics and lower oil prices. NFP week could drive September Fed hike expectations and boost market volatility. The euro lacks fresh bullish catalysts, all eyes on the preliminary inflation report and the ECB Forum.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.