RIO TINTO PLC LS-_10

Commented by André Will-Laudien on November 23rd, 2020 | 11:16 CET

Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Almonty Industries - Base metals for the upswing

• Base metals

Last week, Canadian star economist David Rosenberg said: "Base metals are generally the most correlated with the Chinese economy, so I would say that base metals have performed very well. The correlation between Chinese GDP and commodities is incredible. It is not difficult for me to take a constructive stance towards the base metals sector when I believe that they are the primary source of demand worldwide and that China consumes half of the world's metals."

Looking to the future, Rosenberg said that the US and the rest of the Western world must confront China's growing power and influence. "I hate to say it, but whoever the president is, he is currently facing the challenge of preventing China from capturing an ever-increasing share of global GDP."

The message is clear: In China, Covid-19 seems to have already been overcome; it is essential not to lose the connection because of the pandemic-related downturn. Overall, raw materials will, therefore play a huge role in this environment.