Tag: Week In Review

Aluminum was very in the spotlight this past week on growing concern about damage inflicted on some of the Persian Gulf's key smelters.

We had another very sloppy week in the US equity markets, although commodities fared better. All three major equity indices are now in correction territory (down 10% or more from their highs) on account of both the Iran war and the rising interest rates the conflict is generating.

Markets remained frazzled last week as the conflict in the Persian Gulf entered its fourth week – with no end in sight.

We had another topsy-turvy week in the markets as the war in Iran monopolized investor attention.

Markets have been taken aback by the intensity of the conflict and the Iranian retaliatory strikes on at least 14 different countries. Investors were also shaken by the severe disruptions to oil and gas flows coming out of the Persian Gulf.

Based on our experience of watching previous conflicts, we believe investors tend to have a rather dispassionate view of conflagrations as long as there is no potential impact on oil flows. Although some oil producers have voluntarily curbed shipments through the Gulf, they might resume them once things settle down.

In an unusual first, pretty much all the markets we follow finished higher last week.

A weekly review of global political developments, market volatility and key macroeconomic data shaping equities, commodities, energy and trade heading into the week of Feb. 16.

Last week was another wild time for the markets.

Last week was one for the history books, particularly for those involved in trading precious metals in any way, shape, or form. After weeks and months of relentless price increases, the complex staged one of its most dramatic one day sell-offs on record.