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Morgan Downey's Commodity News
Week in Review · research, podcasts and the week's moves
Week ending Jun 13, 2026
▶ The 2-minute market brief · 1.25x
The Zeitgeist
What the commodity market couldn't stop talking about this week · and the trade it implies.
Oil: US-Iran peace deal hopes drive WTI to $84.88 and Brent to $87.33, down 3.2-3.4% Friday and about 6% for the week after Trump signals framework agreement to reopen Hormuz.
The angle · Hormuz risk premium unwinds fast; longs face sharp squeeze while physical flows normalize and US export dominance widens vs Saudi and Russia.
Natural gas: EIA reports 108 bcf US storage build for week ending June 5, exceeding 101 bcf forecast, lifting inventories to 2,686 bcf (6% above five-year average) and pushing Henry Hub toward $3.12.
The angle · Oversupply widens with injection season underway; short-dated curve stays pressured while LNG export recovery provides limited offset.
Shipping: Baltic Dry Index falls to 2,729, down about 8.5% weekly after ten straight sessions lower, with capesize at 4,107 amid iron ore and coal weakness.
The angle · Capesize and panamax rates compress on soft Chinese steel output and ample tonnage; front-month freight curve inverts further on weak dry-bulk demand.
Metals: Gold holds near $4,239, silver near $68 and copper near $6.51 per lb amid ongoing rally consolidation after earlier record runs, with mixed daily moves on the week.
The angle · Long positioning in copper reaches multi-year highs on structural demand while gold/silver retain haven bid; any further de-grossing risks steep flush in leveraged books.
Rare earths: China export controls (additional elements and magnets with trace Chinese content) remain suspended for one year post-2025 Trump-Xi deal with no fresh June tightening reported.
The angle · Licensing overhang persists for non-Chinese supply chains; any lapse in the suspension window re-prices downstream magnets and defense inputs sharply higher.
The angle is market-structure color, not advice.
Weekend price action
NYMEX is closed for the weekend. These charts show live oil and natural gas pricing from Hyperliquid's 24/7 commodity markets since Friday's settlement.
WTI Crude · live weekend pricing
WTI Crude weekend price chart since Friday settlement
Nat Gas · live weekend pricing
Nat Gas weekend price chart since Friday settlement
The week's moves
Weekly changes based on settlements Friday, June 12, 2026
MarketLastWeekYTD
Cocoa 3,979 +5.8%
+217
-34.4%
Copper 6.45 +2.9%
+0.18
+14.5%
Soybeans 1,132 +0.9%
+11
+9.8%
Wheat 585 +0.8%
+5
+15.3%
Corn 413 -1.1%
-5
-6.2%
Silver 67.97 -1.4%
-0.97
-3.1%
Gold 4,239 -2.3%
-98
-2.0%
Nat Gas 3.120 -3.4%
-0.109
-15.4%
Dutch TTF 46.77 -3.6%
-1.72
+66.1%
Brent 87.33 -6.2%
-5.76
+43.5%
WTI Crude 84.88 -6.3%
-5.66
+47.8%
Research
Short-Term Energy Outlook June 2026
EIA · Tue, Jun 9, 2026 · 60 pages
The EIA's monthly STEO forecasts U.S. energy markets amid Middle East supply disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz. Global oil demand is expected to weaken, limiting price spikes, while U.S. crude production forecasts for 2026-2027 were revised slightly higher and natural gas production shows mixed changes. The report emphasizes resilience in U.S. energy supply and the dampening effect of high prices and demand responses on consumption. Read →
Europe Residential Energy Storage Outlook 2026
Wood Mackenzie · Wed, Jun 4, 2026
WoodMac's outlook analyzes the residential battery energy storage segment across 25 European countries, highlighting structural stability amid policy headwinds and growing renewable penetration. It examines market opportunities, growth drivers, and challenges in the co-location and behind-the-meter segments as Europe pushes energy transition goals. Read →
East Asia Solar PV Market Outlook 2026
Wood Mackenzie · Thu, Jun 11, 2026
The report provides a detailed assessment of solar PV deployment opportunities in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, factoring in policy support, grid constraints, and supply chain dynamics. It projects market trajectories amid regional energy security priorities and the broader push for renewables in East Asia. Read →
BESS Revenue Outlook: Netherlands and Belgium
Wood Mackenzie · Mon, Jun 9, 2026
Analysis of battery energy storage system revenue prospects in the Netherlands and Belgium, noting entry into a stabilization phase with ongoing structural and policy challenges. It evaluates revenue streams, market design impacts, and investment viability as renewable integration accelerates. Read →
Oil Market Report May 2026 (Abridged)
IEA · Wed, May 13, 2026
The IEA's OMR details sharp downward revisions to 2026 global oil demand due to the Iran-related conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, projecting a 420 kb/d y/y contraction. Supply forecasts are also lowered significantly, with analysis of trade flow adaptations, inventory impacts, and the potential for gradual recovery assuming phased resumption of flows. Read →
Oil Market Balances Report May 2026 (Condensed)
Rystad Energy · Thu, Jun 11, 2026
Rystad updates its crude oil balance model post-Strait of Hormuz crisis, significantly revising 2026 demand lower and forecasting a return to oversupply conditions by July. The report examines adapting trade flows, the scale of the supply shock, and longer-term market rebalancing challenges. Read →
MOMR June 2026
OPEC · Thu, Jun 11, 2026
OPEC's monthly report lowers its 2026 global oil demand growth forecast further (by an additional 200 kb/d) amid ongoing geopolitical impacts, while raising the 2027 outlook. It details May OPEC+ production declines, particularly from Iran, and assesses supply-demand balances under the current disruption scenario. Read →
Global Volatility, Energy Risks, and Market Resilience
Citi · Mon, Jun 9, 2026
Citi's weekly market update focuses on energy market volatility stemming from Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz flows, analyzing impacts on agriculture, inflation, and broader resilience. It highlights how global economies are mitigating roughly half the supply disruption through various channels. Read →
Podcasts
The Hidden Plumbing of Commodity Finance
Bloomberg Odd Lots · Mon, Jun 1, 2026
Explores the complex world of commodity finance, including how trades are funded, risk pricing for tankers and warehouses, and differences between hedgeable commodities like oil versus non-futures ones like cashews. Features Lewis Hart of Brown Brothers Harriman on supply chain financing amid disruptions like Hormuz closures. Listen →
Jessica Uhl on the Fractured Energy Transition: Why Speed Matters Now
Columbia Energy Exchange · Tue, Jun 9, 2026
Discusses challenges and opportunities in making energy abundant, accessible, and clean amid the energy transition. Covers surging electricity demand, nuclear reform, and policy needs for speed in decarbonization and supply security. Listen →
Hormuz headwinds an opportunity for Latin American oil producers
S&P Global Platts Oil Markets · Thu, Jun 11, 2026
Analyzes impacts of Strait of Hormuz disruptions on global oil flows, with focus on how Latin American producers can benefit from rerouted trade and higher prices. Covers physical market adjustments, jet fuel and product balances in Asia. Listen →
Digital Assets and the Blockchain Renaissance with Joe Miscioscia
HC Commodities Podcast · Mon, Jun 9, 2026
Examines the recovery and mainstreaming of digital assets, crypto trading, and blockchain in commodities and settlements post-FTX. Discusses institutional adoption, talent demands, and intersections with energy/commodities trading. Listen →
Global LPG Conversations: US butane flows surge to meet Asia's demand
Argus Media Global LPG Conversations · Thu, Jun 5, 2026
Covers how Middle East LPG disruptions from Hormuz are shifting flows, with US exports surging to Asia amid capacity strains and price spikes. Explores infrastructure limits, trade adjustments, and demand responses in key markets. Listen →
Ask an AI
We asked three frontier models the same questions. Unedited verdicts · AI opinion, for discussion, not advice.
Is the next $20 move in oil up or down?
Grok · xAI
▼ Down Supply rebound, demand slump create surplus.
Gemini · Google
▲ Up Geopolitical risks, OPEC+ supply discipline, and robust global demand growth will push prices higher despite economic headwinds.
Claude · Anthropic
▼ Down China demand weakness plus record US production growth outweighs Middle East tensions and OPEC+ cuts
And the next 20% move?
MarketGrokGeminiClaude
Copper ▲ Up▲ Up▼ Down
US Nat Gas ▼ Down▲ Up▼ Down
Gold ▲ Up▲ Up▲ Up
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Morgan Downey's Commodity News is published by ComCurv, Inc. Curated from public sources; every item links to its original publisher. Informational only · not financial, investment or trading advice.

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