Author name: Steve

Crude oil prices have surged past the $100 mark, driven by growing concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East. This region is crucial for global oil production, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait being major exporters. Any instability here can significantly impact the flow of oil to the rest of the world. […]

This summer, the United States is experiencing an intense heat wave that is pushing natural gas prices sharply higher. The soaring temperatures across many parts of the country are driving up demand for air conditioning, which in turn increases the need for electricity generated by natural gas. Since nearly half of U.S. power generation relies

Lithium prices have been rising rapidly as electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers ramp up production to meet soaring demand. The global push toward cleaner transportation is driving a surge in EV sales, which in turn fuels the need for more lithium—a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles. One major factor behind this

Zinc prices have recently bounced back after a period of weakness, mainly because smelter shutdowns are tightening the supply of refined zinc. This rebound comes despite some challenges on the demand side, especially in China where manufacturing activity remains subdued. Several factors are at play. On the supply front, major producers are cutting output. For

Uranium prices have recently surged as the world intensifies its push toward nuclear energy. This jump reflects a growing global demand for clean, reliable power sources amid efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support technological advancements like artificial intelligence. After years of low uranium prices following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which led to underinvestment and

Palladium prices have surged sharply recently as automakers rush to stockpile the metal. This sudden increase in demand is driven by palladium’s critical role in manufacturing catalytic converters, which help reduce harmful emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles. With stricter environmental regulations worldwide, car manufacturers are securing more palladium to meet these standards. The price rally has

Aluminum prices have been climbing sharply in Europe, driven largely by fears of an energy shortage that is hitting the metal industry hard. Aluminum smelting is an energy-intensive process, with electricity costs making up about 30% of total production expenses. As power prices soar across Europe, aluminum producers are facing a serious squeeze. The root

Tin prices have been rallying recently due to a tightening supply situation amid strong global demand, especially from the electronics sector. The surge in tin’s value is largely driven by its critical role in manufacturing semiconductors and other electronic components, which make up nearly half of global tin consumption. On the supply side, several factors

Silver has just posted its strongest quarter since 2010, driven largely by a booming solar energy sector and rising industrial demand. In the first half of 2025, silver prices surged to around $36 per ounce, marking a level not seen in over a decade. This surge is more than just a short-lived spike; it reflects

Nickel futures have suddenly jumped after Indonesia made a big move to stop exports of raw nickel ore. This decision is shaking up the global market for nickel, a metal that’s super important for making things like electric car batteries and stainless steel. Indonesia is the world’s top supplier of refined nickel, producing more than