Asian HRC prices slide though Chinese mills withdraw offers
Spot prices of internationally-traded hot rolled coil in Asia eased May 30, though several Chinese mills were said to have withdrawn offers.
Will Russia's crude output levels surprise again?
Nadia Rodova looks at Russia's oil sector which has shown a surprising resilience to low oil prices and western sanctions over the past two years.
Gold heads lower, no physical demand to pick up investor selling
Gold headed lower over the duration of the week started May 23. So, is the bull run over or just getting going? Attitude last week was certainly mixed.
U.S. retail gasoline prices lowest since 2009 ahead of Memorial Day weekend
(Fri, 27 May 2016) The U.S. average retail price for gasoline was $2.30 per gallon (gal) on May 23, 47 cents per gallon (cents/gal) lower than at the same time last year, and the lowest average price just before Memorial Day weekend (the start of the summer driving season) since 2009.
Glass half full: the bearish dry bulk market may yet offer opportunities
The dry bulk freight market is suffering its worst period in decades. However, even this bearish environment can bring some interesting opportunities for the right shipping players.
Industrial and electric power sectors drive projected growth in U.S. natural gas use
(Thu, 26 May 2016) U.S. consumption of natural gas is projected to rise from 28 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) in 2015 to 34 Tcf in 2040, an average increase of about 1% annually, according to EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2016 (AEO2016) Reference case. The industrial and electric power sectors make up 49% and 34% of this growth, respectively, while consumption growth in the residential, commercial, and transportation sectors is much lower.
Ancient Roman lessons on shipping and logistics
When it comes to learning lessons from the past about the importance of strong shipping links and even stronger logistics, there is no doubt: all roads still lead to Rome.
Seb holds on to his hat as steel market turns downward
This month our motley metals crew assesses China's collapsing steel market and what the impact has been in the US and Europe.
Russia's delayed refinery upgrades, tax maneuver take toll on throughputs
Assessing the changing profile of Russian refineries and exports, as lower crude oil prices, tax reforms, refinery upgrades and financing difficulties create a mixed outlook.
Determinants of Household Use of Selected Energy Star Appliances
(Wed, 25 May 2016) The main objective of this paper is to test a series of hypotheses regarding the influences of household characteristics (such as education, age, sex, race, income, and size of household), building characteristics (such as age, ownership, and type), and electricity prices on the use of ENERGY STAR appliances.