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Commodities

Commodities – On the Path to Recovery

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  • Oil: The crude oil’s price recovery has been poignant, buffeted by an initial market share battle within OPEC+ starting March, a truce in May, and well-timed production cuts leading to a more than doubling of prices. The oil market may move into a deficit from 3Q 2020 onwards driven by a sharp reduction of global oil supply as OPEC and non-OPEC producers curb their output. Demand continues to grind higher and next year may surprise to the upside if international trade recovers. However, geopolitical risks to the up- and down-side remain. Citi analysts see Brent and WTI crude oil prices averaging US$43/bbl and US$41/bbl in 3Q 2020, rising to US$48/bbl and US$45/bbl in 4Q 2020.

 

  • Gold: Gold is consolidating in a higher trading range and could continue to rally over the medium-term. Loose monetary policy, low real yields, record ETF flows and increased gold asset allocation are bullish factors for gold. Citi analysts forecast a record US$1,750/oz price average for 2020, up 25-30% compared to 2019. Double digit gains are projected next year with base case 2021 average expected at US$1,965/oz. Occasional liquidation squeezes or drawdowns for gold are likely in a high volatility environment, but the overall price trend is likely to remain upward sloping on balance. 

 

 

  • Bulks and metals: Bulk commodity prices diverged in 1H 2020 with iron ore staying elevated while coal prices fell. Iron ore may remain elevated and average US$100/t during 3Q 2020 with upside risks from robust growth in Chinese construction demand, before drifting down towards marginal producers’ costs of US$65/t over the next 1-2 years. Citi analysts expect coking coal prices could move higher to US$130-$140/t by the end of 2020. Copper prices may hold up after a spectacular rally but are pricing in a substantial global recovery and deficit, hence any further upside may be based on marginal cost inflation (dollar weakness and higher oil prices). Citi analysts are also turning more positive on aluminium and see prices rising to average US$1,900/t in 2021 based on a broadly constructive macro backdrop in coming 2-3 years.

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