A shinier outlook for aluminium?
Aluminium may have fallen behind in the base metals rally of the past few years, but the metal used to make drinks cans, aeroplanes and cars should soon regain its lustre.
Aluminium has fallen behind in the base metals rally of the past few years; this year, prices have slid by about 10% as inventories have risen. But the metal, used in drinks cans, cars and aircraft, should regain its lustre. Supply looks set to tighten as high energy costs production is far more energy-intensive than for other base metals lead to plant closures, as commodities guru Jim Rogers recently pointed out. Demand from China, the world's largest producer, is on the rise as consumers buy "increasing numbers of just about everything from drinks cans to cars", says Eoin Treacy on Fullermoney. Chinese vehicle sales leapt by 23% in the first half of 2007. Xiao Yaqing of the Aluminum Corp. of China reckons Chinese aluminium demand will grow by 33% this year, while global consumption will rise by 10%.
Strong Chinese demand, along with the removal of tax rebates on aluminium exports suggests the country is on course to become a net aluminium importer in the next few years. This is likely to be the case by 2009, says Wang Feihong of Beijing Antaike Information Development Co. "There will be a strong boost to global aluminum prices". In the medium term, then, the outlook for aluminium is "appealing", says Treacy. There is a London-listed aluminium exchange traded fund (ALUM).
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
Sign up for MoneyWeek's newsletters
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
-
‘I installed a heat pump in my home – here are five things I’ve learnt’
From the size and noise of a heat pump to how much it costs to run one, Ruth Emery reveals what she’s learnt after installing one in her home six months ago
-
3 ways to work out if a stock is good value
The only thing you can really control in investing is the price you pay for an asset – but how can you tell if you’re getting a good deal when it comes to the price of a stock?