As of February 5, 2024, the commodities market is witnessing notable changes driven by global economic trends, investor sentiment, and geopolitical events. Oil investors, in particular, have grown increasingly optimistic, encouraged by indications that the global economic downturn may be softening and by concerns over security threats to oil tankers near southwestern Arabia. This positive outlook is evident in the significant investments in petroleum futures and options contracts, marking a departure from the bearish sentiment prevalent in late 2023.
In contrast, the outlook for base metals in 2024 remains cautious, with expectations of weak demand tempering potential price gains. Analysts foresee only modest increases for copper and aluminium, citing high-interest rates, a manufacturing recession in Western economies, and slowing growth in China as reasons for the subdued forecast. Nickel faces a specific challenge from an uptick in production from Indonesia, despite its robust demand linked to electric vehicle batteries. This production surge should cause a notable decline in nickel’s average price in 2024.
Geopolitical and Political Risks on the Horizon
Further complicating the commodities market landscape are the geopolitical and political risks underscored by Fitch Ratings. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, along with forthcoming elections in several countries, are expected to bring geopolitical risks back to the forefront of concerns for the commodities markets in 2024.
These developments highlight the commodities market’s inherent volatility, influenced by a mix of economic indicators, geopolitical tensions, and shifting investor sentiment. As signs of global economic recovery emerge, monitoring the commodities market for both risks and opportunities will be crucial in the upcoming year.
