Mixed economic messages from Beijing and complex geopolitics are complicating global minerals and commodities trade. As Chinese markets reopened after last week’s holiday, iron ore prices slid back from a five-year high as the market reevaluated stimulus measures announced last week.
Investors who were hoping for aggressive stimulus packages were disappointed as the National Development and Reform Commission didn’t confirm rumors of large support payments. Iron ore futures fell by 4% in Singapore, following a spike driven by expectations of a new surge in construction.