Shugo Yamada

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Copper rebounds on China stimulus hopes, but uncertainty remains

Oct 2, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Shugo Yamada

TOKYO -- Copper is rallying on anticipation that China, the largest consumer of the red metal, will regain its appetite as the government moves to rouse a weak economy. Three-month copper futures on the London Metal Exchange (LME) topped $10,000 per tonne last Thursday for the first time since early July. Copper hit $10,158 a tonne on Monday, marking a roughly four-month high. Copper prices rose 6% in September.
Gold hits record high as U.S. interest rates slide

Sep 26, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Shugo Yamada |Ryo Saeki

TOKYO -- Gold futures crossed the $2,700 per troy ounce mark for the first time Thursday, riding a rally driven by geopolitical and economic concerns that has spurred investors to snap up an asset that has outperformed stocks this year. Gold is often bought when the U.S. Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, something that has been a major buying factor this year.
Antimony, gallium prices soar as China widens rare-metal export curbs

Aug 29, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Shugo Yamada

TOKYO -- Rare metals prices have jumped dramatically in the year since China instituted export restrictions on the critical resources, with the tightening controls threatening to drive prices up further. Earlier this month, Chinese authorities said they will introduce export licenses on antimony, a mineral used mainly as a flame retardant in vehicles and electronics. The new measures will go into effect on Sept. 15.
No longer rare: China's overproduction sends rare-earth prices tanking

Jul 18, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Shugo Yamada

TOKYO -- International prices of rare-earth elements have plunged 20% over the past year as overproduction in China has caused a supply glut. Seeking to tighten its grip on the industry, China in June put out a list regulations to protect supplies of these economically important metals. The regulations, issued by the State Council and taking effect on Oct. 1, say rare-earth resources belong to the state.
Nickel prices hit 5-month low on sluggish China consumption

Jul 18, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Shugo Yamada

TOKYO -- Global prices for nickel, used in stainless steel and EV batteries, are falling, pulled down by the prolonged real estate slump in major consumer China. Three-month nickel futures on the London Metal Exchange briefly dropped to $16,435 per tonne on Wednesday, the lowest price since late February.
Silver rally adds new shine to dental crowns in Japan

Jun 12, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Tomoya Takayama |Shugo Yamada

The asking price for purchasing used silver crowns has doubled in Japan over the past five years. TOKYO -- Surging market values for precious metals have started to turn silver crowns and teeth into potential gold mines. Purchases of silver crowns rose between 50% to 100% over the past year at Shikakin, a company in Hyogo prefecture that buys precious metals used in dentistry.
Japan's 5 yen coin costs almost as much to make on pricey copper, zinc

May 19, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Shugo Yamada

TOKYO -- Japan's 5 yen coin is becoming more expensive to produce amid higher materials prices and an unfavorable exchange rate, raising the possibility that the per-coin production cost will eventually surpass its face value. The 5 yen coin weighs 3.75 grams and is made from a brass alloy of 60% to 70% copper and 30% to 40% zinc.
Copper hits 2-year high above $10,000 on China squeeze

Apr 26, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Shugo Yamada

TOKYO -- Copper prices rose the highest in two years Friday amid signs of a tighter supply-demand relationship in China, the world's largest consumer of the metal. Three-month copper futures on the London Metals Exchange briefly topped $10,000 a tonne. The red metal used in everything from homes to electric vehicles is up roughly 20% this year.