CAPITAL MARKETS

Another hit to commodities

A SLUMP in copper and oil is wreaking fresh havoc on the share prices of resource stocks.

Kristie Batten

This article is 9 years old. Images might not display.

The Bloomberg Commodity Index fell again overnight to the lowest level zinc 1991.

Copper extended its losses, dropping a further 0.8% to $US4342 per tonne, while oil threatens to fall into the $20s.

IG market analyst Evan Lucas said oil prices were the biggest story in the market right now.

“I fully expect to see oil in the $20 a barrel handle. However, the uber-bears are now suggesting $10 a barrel is a real possibility.

“That would be a dire problem as it will bring the bankruptcy question to bare – there are several estimates that suggest prices under $30 a barrel would mean one third of US oil and gas plays would go broke in six months.”

Shares in Freeport McMoRan – which is primarily exposed to copper and oil – fell by as much as 18% in New York overnight, hitting a 15-year low.

Rio Tinto was the worst performer in London, down by nearly 2.7%.

Elsewhere, gold dropped to $1087.30 an ounce and iron ore fell to $41.19/t.

In good news, the ASX is set to open higher after a positive night for global equities.

[amcsv id="206666" type="commodities"]

TOPICS:

Expert-led Insights reports and Analytics tools built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Risk, Projects, ESG, Leadership, and Investor Sentiment.

Expert-led Insights reports and Analytics tools built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Risk, Projects, ESG, Leadership, and Investor Sentiment.

editions

Leadership Insights 2025

Leadership Insights reveals key trends in priority mining issues through interviews with 15+ top mining company executives and an industrywide survey.

editions

Mining IQ Risk Analytics

Risk Analytics offers interactive access to World Risk Insight data, allowing you to customise risk views, benchmark jurisdictions, explore data behind scores and read expert commentary to guide your decision-making.

editions

Project Pipeline Index 2025

View our 50 top mining projects, handpicked using a unique, objective selection process from an expanded database of 600+ global assets.

editions

MiningNews.net Research Report 2025

The MNN Research Report 2025 provides insights into critical mining themes in Australia/Oceania, including top projects, C-suite priorities, risk, ESG performance and investor sentiment.