NewsSignals
NewsSignals AI analysis·Reuters·

Iron ore set for second weekly gain as hopes build for coke price cuts

Grade Bbullish AI signal$TIO1!$ACT1!$WTI$BRENT
Iron ore futures rose for a third consecutive session, gaining 2.22% this week as expectations of further coke price cuts improved the outlook for steel mill profitability and iron ore demand. China's January Dalian iron ore contract climbed 0.44% to 690 yuan per ton, while steel arrivals increased 18.04% week over week to 6.7 million tons, highlighting stronger supply flows. Further coke price reductions could support steel production and sustain iron ore gains, although elevated inventories and ample overseas shipments may limit upside.

Bullish strength: 65/100

  • Iron ore futures gained for a third consecutive session and were up 2.22% this week.
  • Expected coke price cuts could improve steel mill margins and reduce pressure to cut hot metal output.
  • Higher oil prices are supporting iron ore through freight costs.
  • Iron ore valuations are relatively low after a sharp decline.

Bearish strength: 35/100

  • Overseas shipments and port inventories remain high, keeping supply relatively ample.
  • Global steel arrivals increased 18.04% week over week to 6.7 million tons, indicating stronger supply flows.

This is automated NewsSignals analysis of third-party reporting, not independent original reporting or investment advice. AI scores are not price predictions.

Read the original source ↗

← Browse more news analysis

Trade on MEXC

More recent source-attributed AI analysis in macro.

Palm slips on weak rival oils, heads for steepest weekly fall in nearly two years

Malaysian palm oil futures are heading for their steepest weekly decline since December 2024, with prices down 6.69% this week as weaker rival edible oils weigh on the market. The January contract slipped 0.32% to 4,363 ringgit per metric ton, while Dalian palm oil fell 1.58% and soyoil declined 1%. Palm oil could extend losses toward 4,316–4,332 ringgit per ton, although firmer crude oil prices and a weaker ringgit may limit further downside.

Soybeans and corn firm on higher oil prices, but set for weekly losses

Soybeans and corn edged higher on Friday as rising crude oil prices supported agricultural markets, but both remain on track for weekly losses amid expectations of ample global supplies. Soybeans gained 0.3% and corn added 0.1%, while soybeans are down more than 3% this week and corn is heading for a sixth consecutive weekly decline; traders are also awaiting next week's USDA crop estimates. Record-large expected US soybean production and the prospect of renewed Black Sea grain shipments could continue to limit upside across agricultural futures.

Oil set for sharp weekly drop but Middle East supply concerns provide floor

Oil prices are heading for a roughly 12% weekly decline as expectations of Iran-war de-escalation weigh on the market, despite renewed tanker attacks keeping Middle East supply risks elevated. Brent traded at $99.86 and WTI at $91.62 on Friday, while flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain below 60% of capacity and tanker attacks continue at close to record pace. Persistent disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could limit further oil price declines even as diplomatic expectations continue to pressure crude.

US oil may end bounce in $91.90-$93.14 range

US crude oil may complete its current rebound within the $91.90–$93.14 per barrel range, while the broader downtrend remains intact. Technical analysis indicates the decline from $105.03 may be incomplete, with support at $90.65 and a potential downside extension toward $88.17–$89.11 if that level breaks. The anticipated end of the bounce could leave US oil vulnerable to further selling pressure despite the possibility of another short-term recovery.