The ongoing and escalating war in the Middle East between Israel and Iran and its proxies is not bearish for crude oil prices. However, other factors have led crude oil lower. China is the world's… more
Andy Hecht
After reaching multi-year lows in early 2020 as the global pandemic gripped markets across all asset classes, commodities prices have moved substantially higher. Central bank and government… more
Since 1450, there have been six reserve currencies. Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and the United States have held the top spot in the international economy. Each dominant period… more
In August 2022, nearby NYMEX natural gas futures prices rose to the highest level since 2008 at over $10 per MMBtu. The rally caused by the war in Ukraine lifted European prices to record highs,… more
While the United States and Europe are addressing climate change with green energy policies, India and China, the world's most populous countries, have not joined the green revolution. Moreover,… more
The silver bulls had reason to cheer in May as the second-leading precious metal and highly speculative silver futures market reached a significant milestone.
Technical resistance for the… more
COMEX copper futures posted a 2.10% gain in 2023 and moved 2.99% higher in Q1 2024, settling at $4.0070 per pound at the end of March. One month later, the price was over the $4.50 level, with… more
As the markets head into 2024's second quarter, the North American agricultural planting season is getting underway. Farmers are now planting the grains that feed and increasingly power the world… more
Gold has a long history as an alternative asset, while Bitcoin and digital currencies only burst on the scene starting in 2010. Gold has been a low-volatility asset over the past few years, in a… more
Cocoa was the leading soft commodity in 2023, gaining 61.4% for the year that ended on December 29, 2023. While other soft commodities, including cotton and Arabica coffee futures, rose to multi-… more