Non-ferrous metals usually have good electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in many fields such as electronics, electric power, construction, transportation, and chemical industry. The price cycle fluctuations of non-ferrous metals are affected by a variety of factors, including macroeconomic conditions, supply and demand, monetary policy, geopolitics, etc. Here's a rundown of the top 10 non-ferrous metals with the most price cycle volatility:
1. Copper
Copper is one of the most widely used non-ferrous metals, and has an irreplaceable position in power transmission, electronics manufacturing and other industries due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Copper price fluctuations are often closely linked to global economic activity, with increased demand and rising prices during booms and lower demand and falling prices during recessions. In addition, copper prices are also affected by factors such as the US dollar index, global inventory levels, and disruptions in mineral supply.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal that is widely used in aerospace, construction, packaging, and other industries. Fluctuations in aluminium prices are influenced by factors such as production costs (e.g., electricity prices), global inventories, environmental policies, and more. In recent years, with the increase in demand for new energy vehicles and lightweight materials, the demand and price fluctuations of aluminum have also attracted increasing attention from the market.
3. Zinc
Zinc is mainly used in anti-corrosion coatings and alloy materials, and is closely related to infrastructure investment. The volatility of zinc prices is affected by global investment in infrastructure projects, mineral supply, and alternative materials. Changes in the economic cycle directly affect the demand and price of zinc.
4. Lead
Lead is mainly used in battery manufacturing, radiation protection materials, etc. The fluctuation of lead prices is affected by factors such as battery recycling rates, environmental protection policies, and mineral availability. With the development of new energy battery technology, the demand and price volatility of lead are also facing new challenges.
5. Nickel
Nickel is an important component of stainless steel and alloy steel, and its price fluctuations are closely related to the prosperity of the stainless steel industry. In addition, the growth in demand for nickel for new energy vehicle batteries has also had an impact on nickel prices. Nickel prices are also affected by factors such as mineral supply and international trade policies.
6. Tin
Tin is mainly used in the production of solders, coatings, and alloys. The fluctuation of tin prices is affected by the demand of the electronics industry, the supply of minerals, and alternative materials. Due to the relatively concentrated use of tin, its price is more sensitive to changes in the single market.
7. Gold
Gold is not only a precious metal, but also a traditional safe-haven asset. The volatility of gold prices is affected by factors such as global economic uncertainty, monetary policy, and geopolitical risks. In times of economic turmoil or rising inflation expectations, gold is often sought after as a safe-haven tool and its price rises.
8. Silver
Silver has the properties of both industrial metals and precious metals, and is widely used in electronics, photovoltaics, medical and other industries. The fluctuation of silver prices is affected by factors such as industrial demand, investment demand, mineral supply, etc. Silver prices are also often influenced by gold price movements.
9. Cobalt
Cobalt is a key raw material for lithium batteries, especially for new energy vehicles. The fluctuation of cobalt prices is affected by factors such as demand for new energy batteries, mineral supply, and international trade policies. With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry, the volatility of cobalt prices is also increasing.
10. Lithium
Lithium is an important raw material for the manufacture of lithium batteries, especially those used in mobile devices and electric vehicles. The fluctuation of lithium prices is affected by factors such as new energy market demand, mineral development progress, and alternative technologies. With the global focus on clean energy and electric vehicles, the volatility of lithium prices is expected to persist.
In summary, the price cycle fluctuations of non-ferrous metals are the result of a combination of complex factors. In the context of global economic integration, economic changes in any region may have an impact on the price of non-ferrous metals. At the same time, with the progress of science and technology and the development of the new energy industry, the demand structure of some non-ferrous metals is also changing, which will also have an important impact on the fluctuation of non-ferrous metal prices in the future.