Base metals shine in 2021, but gold and iron sufferBloombergMetals are heading for more drama after a tumultuous year dominated by supply squeezes, China’s property-led economic slowdown and a global energy crisis that hints at more disruptions to come. Last year saw copper hitting a record as the COVID-19 pandemic roiled supply and demand, but tin was the star performer as base metals marched higher. For now, soaring energy costs in Europe also continue to dominate the supply-side for base metals. Yesterday, base metals were mostly lower, with copper edging down 0.4 percent in London for a 24 percent advance this year. Iron ore gyrated around US$120 per tonne and was headed for a 25 percent decline last year.

Source: Taipei Times December 31, 2021 23:28 UTC