2016-10-07

Zinc and Lead 2016 Stars

Base metals have come roaring back from 2015 lows, especially zinc (up 49% since January) and lead (up 16.5% so far in 2016, passing US$2,000/t). Copper, often considered a bellwether metal, has added just 1.5% so far this year. Aluminum and cobalt have both gained by double digits so far this year while tin (+39% at just over US$20,000) and nickel (+17% holding above US$10,000) have recovered after shakiness over the summer. Except for copper, base metals are trading at 2016 highs after a strong third quarter. BMI Research predicts the positive momentum will likely continue as China invests heavily on infrastructure and developed markets boost prices for the next six to nine months. The outlook for zinc and lead looks particularly encouraging, with both metals breaking out of a long term downtrend: