Commodities

In this issue

- China’s increasing needs will shape the worldwide market

- Brazil should not just rely on its abundant natural resources

Dec 20, 2011

Markets in uncertain furrow

Investors are having to contend with significant risks – from global economics to geopolitics and the weather

Chicago traders Dec 20, 2011

Trade finance: Unfashionable actor takes centre stage

Javier Blas explains the possible impact of a change in European banking regulation

Dec 20, 2011

The weather: La Niña rolls in for a second round

Markets have stabilised after the last powerful system. A new one is now in train, says Emiko Terazono

Oil pipelines Dec 20, 2011

Oil storage: Few rooms for workers but lots of room for oil

Gregory Meyer on why capacity is being added at such a rate in Cushing, a small town in Oklahoma

oil barrel Dec 20, 2011

Crude price: Reversal of fortune

Gregory Meyer notes the two main oil benchmarks diverged this year but there are moves to rebalance supply and even out the difference in prices

soyabeans Dec 20, 2011

Brazil: Crop and ore riches skew economy

The country should not just rely on resources, says Henry Mance

Gas-powered taxis Dec 20, 2011

China: Beijing will drive global natural gas demand

Leslie Hook reports on how the country’s needs will shape the market

Dec 20, 2011

Gold: Haven turns riskier but retains its appeal

The precious metal’s fortunes have fluctuated, but it might rally again

Dec 20, 2011

Metals: Cost is main influence on miners’ profit

Jack Farchy writes that the price of production, not the level of demand, is considered to affect margins the most