GLOBAL− Metal prices have started showing signs of recovery against the backdrop of a global economy that is gradually resuming normal operations, analysts at the S&P Global Market Intelligence webinar have confirmed.

The metal market has been experiencing volatile times as a result of the dire state of the global economy amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

This situation has however started to change for the better as demonstrated by rising prises of key metals; Gold and Silver in particular.

S&P Global Market Intelligence senior analyst Gregory Rodwell said gold and silver prices had been boosted by global geopolitical uncertainty and low interest rates.

Owing to the second wave of Covid-19 in the US Sunshine Belt and amid fears of a weaker-than-expected recovery, there was renewed buying of US treasuries.

Gold, perceived as a safe haven, tends to move in the opposite direction as was seen in July, when gold reached all-time highs.

Silver had benefited from the overspills, noted Rodwell, with its price having risen from historic lows − along with platinum.

Rodwell further noted that industrial commodities were rebounding strongly, driven by Chinese recovery.

China, according to Rodwell, has managed to get the virus under control and, with the economy restarting, demand for these metals has been rising.

S&P expects the average nickel London Metal Exchange price to fall by 7% year-on-year to $12 990/t this year, owing to the global primary market moving to a 100 000-t surplus during the year from a 33 000-t deficit in 2019 on the pandemic.

However, S&P notes that the surplus is expected to shrink and prices are expected to reach $16 000/t as battery sector demand increases.

Rodwell indicated that there had been an increased demand for zinc in China, which had caused the price to rise.

The new Chinese stimulus, announced in May, dragged zinc prices to a quarter high and S&P expects the second quarter to be the lowest average quarterly price of this year as more countries begin to lift lockdown restrictions.

Rodwell however noted that despite increased demand from China, a market surplus for zinc was still expected in both 2020 and 2021.

Copper prices, on the other hand, are continuing a strong bounce-back on the back of the Chinese economy restarting.

Chinese refined copper and copper concentrate had increased by 11% year-on-year respectively during January to May, noted Rodwell.

In terms of iron-ore, a resurgence in Chinese demand and supply tightness from Brazil led to a strong rally in the second quarter’s prices, weak demand however, continues to push the lithium price lower.

S&P Metals & Mining research head Matthew Piggott noted that, excluding debt, capital raising for projects was up 46% year-on-year in the second quarter in response to appreciating demand for metals.

The majority of the funds raised were for projects in the Americas; with a two-year high in capital raised for Canadian projects.

Piggot also noted that mining deal activity and value had increased in the second quarter compared with the first, with buyers undeterred by the pandemic.

The quarter, according to S&P’s Metals & Mining research head, saw the highest number of deals since the third quarter of 2018.

Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE