US stocks pared losses, as fears over the growing number of cases with the new variants intensified once again. US initial jobless claims increased in the week ending July 3rd, though still remained near the pandemic low. The dollar sold off and the 10yr US Treasury yield softened into 1.2962%, February 2021 lows. The 30yr US Treasury yield fell below the 1.90% mark for the first time since February as long-term inflation expectations have eased. Meanwhile, Chinese authorities signalled that they might soon release more support for the economy, a sudden shift in tone that suggests that the recovery might be weaker than previously expected.
Activity on the LME was mostly down yesterday, despite a softer dollar, with lead and nickel closing higher at $2,297/t and $18,334/t respectively. Aluminium was subject to strong selling pressure, falling below the key support level of $2,460/t and closing at $2,442/t; cash to 3-month spread widened out to $12.50/t. Copper prices were softer, closing at $9,323/t. Zinc lost ground in the second half of the day, closing lower at $2,933.50/t.
Oil futures gained ground, ending the three days of decline, as inventories declined, confirming growing demand. WTI and Brent edged up to $72.61/bl and $73.87/bl. Precious metals were all lower, with gold and silver down to $1,798.67/oz and $25.93/oz respectively.
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All price data is from 07.07.2021 as of 17:30
