Unrest boosts commodity price index

Scotiabank’s Commodity Price Index, which measures price trends for 32 of Canada’s major exports, advanced by 2.7% month over month (m/m) in January—the seventh consecutive monthly gain. The All Items Index is currently 47.4% above the cyclical low in April 2009 and is at its highest level since September 2008.

“Overall commodity prices will likely edge higher again in February, though momentum has shifted late-month from strength in base metals to oil and precious metals, given growing political unrest in Libya, Algeria and parts of the Middle East,” said Patricia Mohr, Vice-President, Economics and Commodity Market Specialist at Scotiabank.

The Agricultural Index led the charge in January, surging 5.5% m/m. The gains were widespread, with strength in grains and oilseeds, livestock (hogs and cattle) and fish. Spot canola prices—the highest value crop in Western Canada—posted the strongest year-over-year gain, (55.1%) alongside robust international demand for vegetable oils, particularly in China and India.

“The surge in world agricultural prices over the past year not only reflects adverse weather conditions, for example, drought in the FSU-12 wheat-growing area last spring and La Nina-related flooding in Queensland, Australia—usually the world’s third-biggest sugar exporter—but also the growing competition for arable land between crops grown for food and crops grown for fuel,” noted Mohr.

The Scotiabank report suggests it may take several crop years before currently tight U.S. corn and soybean supplies are significantly rebuilt, despite massive expected U.S. planting of corn this spring and normal weather conditions. Wheat markets are expected to tighten further in 2011-12, given prospects for a poor U.S. winter wheat crop, some shifting of acres from wheat to corn and soybeans in the United States (partly for biofuels) and recently dry growing conditions in Russia. Cattle prices may climb to record levels with herd reduction. As prices rise through the supply chain, retail food prices in Canada and the United States will likely increase.

The Oil & Gas Sub-Index posted an unexpected decline in January (-0.5%% m/m), due in part to apportionment of Canadian crude on a key export pipeline due to repairs, with supplies building up at Superior, Wisconsin. In contrast, WTI oil prices—light, sweet crude traded on the NYMEX—were largely flat in January at US$89.58 per barrel (up from US$78.38 a year ago).

But Canadian prices are set to rally back in February/March, given the recent spike in WTI and international oil prices. WTI oil climbed to US$97.88 on February 25 (up more than US$11 last week). Curtailed exports from Libya, as well as worries that unrest could intensify in Algeria (another significant OPEC producer) and possibly spread to other Persian Gulf countries have propelled prices. Volatility has been extreme, with WTI rising over US$103 and Brent approaching US$120 in intraday trading last week.

To calm global oil markets, Saudi Arabia has resumed its role as swing supplier, raising output over 9 mb/d to offset curtailed Libyan supplies. “The world is much better prepared to handle an oil supply crisis today than in mid-2008, when WTI oil prices skyrocketed to a record US$147.90 alongside strong global demand and dwindling OPEC spare capacity,” Mohr said.

“Saudi Arabia has made significant investments to boost its capability in recent years and has at least 3.5 mb/d of spare capacity, which can be brought into production within 30 days. It is interesting to note, however, that Saudi Arabia accounts for the vast bulk of OPEC spare capability, at least 71% excluding Iraq. The stability of Saudi Arabian oil supply is therefore of critical importance,” Mohr added.

The WTI oil price forecast has been revised slightly upward to US$97 for 2011 and US$100 for 2012 to reflect a heightened global risk premium in world oil prices.

The Metal & Mineral Index gained further ground in January, rising by 3.9% m/m. Broad-based strength in base metals, an increase for premium-grade hard coking coal and stronger uranium prices more than offset a temporary pullback in precious metals (gold and silver).

“The outlook for potash markets—demand and prices—over the coming year is extremely positive, with high crop prices incenting farmers to apply more fertilizer,” said Mohr. “World potash shipments in 2011 could climb to 55-60 million tonnes amid one of the best fertilizer application environments ever seen.”

Western Canadian producers can also look forward to a jump in contract prices for premium-grade hard coking coal from US$225 per tonne in JFY 2010:Q4 (January to March) to a new record high of US$330 in JFY2011:Q1. Flooding in Queensland has curtailed shipments, creating very tight supplies in Asian markets.

The Forest Products Price Index also posted a 2.5% m/m gain in January. Stronger lumber and OSB prices and an increase in contract prices for SC-A paper (used in magazines, catalogues and direct mail) led the way. NBSK pulp prices also held up well.

“While remaining volatile, lumber prices continue to make a comeback, despite weak U.S. housing starts—a mere 596,000 units annualized in January. Stepped-up Chinese imports of Canadian lumber, mostly from B.C., are leading the market revival,” concluded Mohr.

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.