Commodities (Crude Oil & Copper) & Macro Outlook

According to Yahoo Finance and Goldman Sachs analysis, copper prices have risen recently due to AI-driven expectations for increased investment in data centers and power grid infrastructure. AI expectations have become the primary driver of copper's price gains since early 2025, surpassing

Sprott Asset Management identified artificial intelligence, defense, and electrification as three structural forces driving rare earth demand, according to a report cited by MINING.COM. The International Energy Agency estimates AI data centers will consume 3% of global magnetic rare earth demand by

According to Sprott Asset Management, artificial intelligence, defense, and electrification have emerged as three major structural drivers of rare earth demand, elevating rare earths from a traditional commodity to a strategic resource tied to national security and technological competition. AI

According to Jin10, benzene prices in East China hit 8,430 yuan/ton on July 20, up 460 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. Major refineries raised their list prices to 8,300 yuan/ton, while East China's main ports continued to reduce inventory and independent refineries held virtually no

Robert Kiyosaki outlined a hypothetical financial restart strategy during a July 18 episode of The Rich Dad Radio Show, stating he would not invest any of a $10,000 starting sum if he lost everything at age 79. The Rich Dad Poor Dad author explained he would instead allocate the entire amount to fin

According to Shanghai Steel United, MMLC battery-grade lithium carbonate fell to 144,700 yuan/ton today (July 21), down 5,350 yuan/ton from yesterday's 4:30 p.m. close.

According to BlackRock, the asset manager maintained its preference for U.S. equities over long-term bonds on July 20, despite escalating Middle East tensions. BlackRock assessed that while recent geopolitical conflict has intensified, crude oil price movements suggest investors view the

According to reports, BHP resumed negotiations with unions representing workers at Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore export hub, on Tuesday. Electricians maintaining BHP's high-voltage power grid in Western Australia's Pilbara region voted overwhelmingly to strike last week, escalating

Korea's customs data revealed exports surged 52.3% to $54.9 billion during July 1-20 compared to the same period last year, marking a record high for the timeframe. The increase was driven by a 180.6% jump in semiconductor exports, which accounted for 40.3% of total exports. Daily average exports re

South Korean government bond futures opened mixed on July 21, with 3-year futures rising 2 ticks to 102.78 and 10-year futures falling 2 ticks to 105.05 as of 9:05 AM. The divergence occurred as surging UK interest rates pushed global yields higher and international oil prices climbed, yet

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on January 20 (local time), according to Yonhap News. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree announced the measure takes immediate effect under an 'eye for an eye' principle against what he called the 'criminal state' of Sa

According to the “Import and Export Trends from July 1 to 20” released by the Korea Customs Service on July 21, from July 1 to 20, Korea’s export value reached $54.9 billion, up 52.3% year over year, setting a historical high for the same period. The previous peak for the same period was $36.9 billion in July 2024. Semiconductor exports were the main growth driver, with export value increasing 180% year over year to $22.1 billion. Key Data on Korea’s Semiconductor Exports: Up 180% YoY, Export Va

According to Goldman Sachs, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pose upside risks to its fourth-quarter 2026 forecasts for Brent and WTI crude oil at $80 and $75 per barrel, respectively. If the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, Brent crude could surge to $120 per barrel during the same

According to a statement from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, two oil tankers attempting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz via what the Guard described as a southern "dangerous route" exploded and caught fire on

According to Financial Times and Nikkei, on July 20, U.S. gasoline prices surged above $4 per gallon amid an ongoing military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran that has lasted nine days. Strategic petroleum reserves have simultaneously fallen to their lowest level in 40 years, limiting the

According to Jin10 Futures, as of 09:30 Beijing time on July 21, WTI crude oil futures fell 0.32%, while U.S. natural gas futures declined 0.45%.

According to Guru Club, lithium carbonate futures declined 6% on July 21, with the main contract trading at 138,940 yuan per ton.

LX International's operating profit for Q2 is forecast to more than double compared to the same period last year, driven by rising coal prices in its core business. According to the average forecast from six securities firms compiled by Yonhap Infomax on the 21st, LX International's Q2 operating pro

According to U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon, American forces carried out their 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran on Monday, July 21, as military operations near the Strait of Hormuz intensified. The conflict has claimed 17 U.S. troops killed and approximately 430 wounded since late

Brent crude oil fell below $87 per barrel intraday on July 21, declining nearly $0.5 with a daily loss of 0.58%.