Iron ore “could continue to test new highs”

Iron ore futures rallied above $98 on Tuesday on better Chinese outlook and ongoing supply concerns from Brazil. Iron ore port inventories have fallen to a four-year low as China moved past the coronavirus pandemic, prompting Chinese steel mills to ramp up output, boosting demand for iron ore.   The latest Purchasing Manager’s Index for …

Capesize rates hike up amid European holidays

Capesize rates gained slightly despite holidays across Europe that took off several players out of the market. Despite of thin trading, the Capesize 5 time charter average hiked by $279 to $3,648 on Monday, without any noticeable change in the physical market. In the meantime, the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) had gained steadily to 520 …

Vale expected to ship more iron ore to China in 2020

Brazil’s Vale SA expects iron ore shipments to China to rise in 2020, versus 2019, due to falling demand in other countries hurt by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a phone call between the miner and the China Iron and Steel Association. Production at Vale has not been impacted by the pandemic and it is …

Iron ore consolidation points to potential reversal

Ferrous Sector Money-flow: DCE iron ore aggregated open interest reached a high at 1.18 million lots on February 21 as well as creating periodic high, following a correction of 19.26%. The open interest high last week was 1.15 million lots. Long positions need to be aware of the similar correction happen for the second time …

Capesize rates gains despite mixed market outlook

Market participants were in doubt if the Capesize market would continue to enjoy higher rates over potential supply outages from Brazil. The expected lower volume from Brazil was met with high iron ore prices that firmed up rates as the Capesize 5 time charter average jumped by $141 to $3,369 on Friday. The jump was …

Capesize rates drag by long tonnage list

Sluggish Pacific and Atlantic had dragged down Capesize rates and reversed much of the gains that occurred in previous week. By Thursday, the Capesize 5 time charter average went down further by $558 to $3,228, despite more buyers entry at the afternoon session in trying to lift the market. Given the volatile Capesize rates and …