European polymer prices were mixed over the week to 26th April with increases of between 15 and 30 EUR per tonne reported in the prices of PVC, ABS and Polystyrene. There was a reduction of 11 EUR per tonne noted in the price of PET. In the UK, prices rose across most grades as the […]
Read MoreCopper mining giant rejects takeover proposals
Anglo American has rejected a £31.1bn takeover proposed by rival miner BHP, branding it “highly unattractive” and “opportunistic”. BHP confirmed on Thursday that it had approached Anglo American about a deal which would create the world’s largest copper producer. But Anglo American has rebuffed the approach, in particular the plan to significantly restructure […]
Read MoreTesla profits fall as job cuts continue
Tesla has announced its profits fell sharply in the first three months of the year to $1.13bn, compared with $2.51bn in 2023. It caps a difficult period for the electric vehicle maker, which faced with falling sales, has announced thousands of job cuts. Boss Elon Musk remains bullish about its prospects, telling investors […]
Read MoreUS growth less than forecast, inflation increases
The US economy grew by less than forecast in the first three months of this year but inflation gathered pace, which could delay an interest rate cut. Official figures revealed the economy expanded at an annualised rate of 1.6%, far below expectations and the growth seen in the final months of 2023. Meanwhile, […]
Read MoreEuropean and US polymers static, Asian polymers mixed. WTI and Brent Crude fall
European polymer prices were unchanged over the week to 19th April apart from a 20 EUR per tonne increase reported in the price of ABS. In the UK, prices fell across most grades as the Pound gained value against the Euro. Asian polymers were mixed with an increase of 40 USD per tonne reported […]
Read MoreOil and gold prices ease after Iran downplays attacks
Oil and gold prices have eased after Iranian authorities appeared to downplay reports of an attack from Israel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell after jumping briefly to over $90 a barrel after reports emerged of an attack. Gold briefly came close to a record high before settling below $2,400 an ounce. […]
Read MoreBiden calls for a tripling of tariffs on Chinese metals
US President, Joe Biden has called for a tripling of tariffs on some steel and aluminium from China. It is the latest protectionist policy to be embraced by Mr Biden as he campaigns for re-election against Donald Trump, who was known for his tough trade stance against China. The White House said the […]
Read MoreOil prices fall despite Iran attack
Oil prices fell on Monday after Iran’s reprisal attack on Israel over the weekend. Brent crude was lower but still trading close to $90 per barrel. Prices had already risen in expectation of action by Iran, with Brent crude nearing a six-month high last week. Analysts said the markets would be looking […]
Read MoreEuropean and Asian polymers rise, US mixed. WTI and Brent Crude fall
European polymer prices rose over the week to 12th April. There were increases of 20 EUR per tonne reported in the prices of Polypropylene and Polystyrene. In the UK, prices fell across some grades as the Pound gained value against the Euro. Asian polymers also rose with increases of 15 and 25 USD per […]
Read MoreUS bank boss warns interest rates could rise to 8%
The boss of one of the world’s biggest banks has warned US interest rates could climb to 8%. Jamie Dimon, the head of JPMorgan Chase, said his bank has prepared for interest rates to jump because of “persistent inflationary pressures”. Central banks around the world have been busy raising rates in a bid […]
Read More