Platinum futures touching 4-month highs, US Gasoline Prices High, Wheat shortage concerns driving futures prices
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Summary:
- Platinum futures increased to their highest level in 4 months.
- Projections for global wheat supply and ending stocks for the 2022 marketing year have climbed.
- The West Coast's limited gasoline supply would keep gas prices high.
Platinum futures supported by a weaker US dollar
Platinum futures increased to their highest level in four months at $965 per ounce as the dollar declined more than 4% since reaching 20-year highs at the end of September, enhancing the attraction of commodities with dollar prices. Although demand has decreased due to slower economic growth, higher interest rates, and a persistent semiconductor shortage that has hurt auto production, the price of platinum is still down more than 15% from its March peak. The platinum market should be in surplus both this year and the following year, according to analysts who predicted supply-demand balances. However, the rise of China's energy sector and the country's robust industrial demand continue to drive up prices for the commodity.
Platinum Futures Price Chart
Wheat futures
Chicago wheat futures reached a two-month low in November before rising to levels seen before Russia's invasion of Ukraine as hopes of a plentiful supply allayed concerns about a shortage. Projections for global supply and ending stocks for the 2022 marketing year have climbed, contrary to forecasts of a fall, according to data from the USDA's WASDE report, as stronger output in Australia and Kazakhstan offset expected declines in Argentina and the EU. Russia's commitment to resume the UN-mediated arrangement, which ensures a safe passage for ships delivering Ukrainian grain after demands have been met by Ukrainian officials, was another factor supporting supplies. The action was taken after Moscow abruptly chose to halt the deal at the end of October, citing Kyiv's denials of any security concerns. Investors are currently anticipating the UN-Russia delegation meeting to talk about extending the pact, as the present agreement expires on November 19.
Wheat Futures Price Chart
US gasoline has been rising
Following a fire on Tuesday night at Chevron Corp.'s El Segundo, California, refinery, California gasoline increased to $1.07 per gallon over NYMEX December gasoline in the Los Angeles wholesale market, according to West Coast market traders.
Due to a refinery in northern California losing power and planned maintenance at another plant in southern California, gasoline in the Los Angeles market has been trending upward for the previous two weeks and last traded at 96.5 cents on Tuesday. The West Coast's limited gasoline supply would keep prices high, according to traders.
RBOB Gasoline Price Chart
Sources: finance.yahoo.com, tradingeconomics.com
