A surprise $4bn impairment on its nickel operations in New Caledonia pushed Anglo-Swiss commodities giant Glencore to a monster loss of $8bn, compared to a $4bn profit a year ago.But its share price rose by as much as 3% on the news, as it made progress on paying down debt. Glencore's shares have nearly doubled in the last six months as it has ditched its dividend, sold shares and dumped assets, helping to lower net debt, which has fallen to $26bn, compared to more than $30bn a year ago.
The scale of the loss puts "an exclamation mark on a dismal 2015" for mining shares, says Alex MacDonald for Dow Jones. The world's five largest miners BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Vale, Glencore and Anglo American have reported combined losses of $32bn.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Annual house price growth halves to 3.5% – ONSAverage UK house prices rose by just 3.5% in the 12 months to April, as stamp duty changes deterred buyers. What’s the outlook for the rest of 2025?
-
Nationwide pays £100 to millions of people – have you received the payment?Nationwide has started paying its £100 Fairer Share bonus and expects to complete payments by 4 July. We look at who will get it and when.
-
These 2 stocks are set to soarTips The returns from these two aluminium and tin stocks could be spectacular when the commodity cycle turns says David J Stevenson.
-
A lesson for investors from a ill-fated silver mineAnalysis Mining methods may have changed since the industry’s early days, but the business hasn’t – digging ore from the ground and selling it at a profit. The trouble is, says Dominic Frisby, the scams haven't changed either.
-
The natural resources industry is in a tight spot – which is bad news for the rest of usOpinion The natural resources industry is in a bind. We need it to produce more energy and metals, but it has been starved of investment, plagued by supply chain issues, and hobbled by red tape. That’s bad news for everyone, says Dominic Frisby.
-
Why investors should consider adding Glencore to their portfoliosTips Commodities giant Glencore is well placed to capitalise on rising commodity prices and supply chain disruption, says Rupert Hargreaves. Here’s why you should consider buying Glencore shares.
-
Avoid China’s stockmarket – here’s what to invest in insteadOpinion China’s stockmarket is not a good place for investors to be. But you can't just ignore the world's second-largest economy, says Dominic Frisby. Here, he picks an alternative China play.
-
Don’t write off Ukrainian iron ore miner Ferrexpo just yetAnalysis UK-listed Ukrainian iron-ore miner Ferrexpo has had its operations severely disrupted by Russia’s invasion. But, says Rupert Hargreaves, it’s brilliant business that’s worth keeping an eye on.
-
The big dividends on offer from mining stocksAnalysis Miners have gone from bust to boom and are now paying out some of the biggest dividends in the FTSE 100
-
Is this the end of the road for Russian gold miner Petropavlovsk?Analysis Shares in Russian gold miner Petropavlovsk have collapsed 90% this year as sanctions have gutted its business model. Rupert Hargreaves asks if the company has a future.
