Oil – Bloomberg reported that Iran’s crude oil shipments have dropped at least 40% in the last nine months as the United States and European Union tighten their sanctions in their aim to deter its nuclear program.
Rare Earth – Resource Investor reported the growing demand for a rare earth element supply in North America and Europe, stating that while China controls most of the world's supply, its reserves are not sustainable.
Gold – Reuters reported that the price of gold was up after European leaders struck a deal at their recent summit.
Rare Earth – Bloomberg reported that the EU, Japan and the US want the WTO to make a ruling on China's rare earth export restrictions.
Silver – Concerns over the state of the European economy are prompting investors to seek liquidity and move away from precious metals like silver.
Silver – Precious metals have been defying conventional wisdom in regards to the Eurozone debt crisis. For silver, the problems are exacerbated by the metal’s role as an industrial and investment metal. Silver’s price going forward depends on reduced volatility stemming from a debt relief plan.
Silver – Silver suffered a sharp setback in early trading Monday as the market reacted to the Bank of Japan’s move to devalue the yen. Investors and traders will be monitoring the actions of other central banks, such as China which many anticipate will loosen its monetary policy by the end of the year.
Copper – Copper tumbled as the once red-hot Chinese economy slows down and Eurozone worries persist.
A large majority of the German government has approved the crisis measures to enhance the EU bailout fund.
Tantalum – Reuters reports the European Union is considering stockpiling rare earth mixed carbonate China restricts global supply.
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