Jennifer Kary

The Rare Earths MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) trended sideways with a slightly downward movement of 2.59%.

The Automotive MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) remained sideways, only moving down 2.58%. There are currently no significant factors within the US automotive market causing much movement in price action, and automotive sector as a whole remains slow. Despite this, concern about incoming tariffs from the new Trump administration remains palpable. While Trump hasn’t threatened tariffs on large automotive manufacturing nations like Japan or Germany, any hot-dipped galvanized steel products coming out of China will be subject to Trump’s proposed tariffs. This could create more market volatility and place pressure on the automotive industry in the long term.

The resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has created uncertainty in the US automotive market.

The Global Precious Metals MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) dropped month-over-month by 7.66%.

Palladium and platinum prices are declining due to the rise of electric vehicles and mining restrictions.

The Rare Earths MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) displayed bearish sentiment as it entered 2025, dropping by 3.08%. Weak Chinese demand for metals across the board had at least some impact on the downward direction of the index month-over-month. Considering major changes are underway in the global rare earth industry, this created downward short-term price pressure.

The Construction MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) moved sideways, budging up by a slight 1.61%. Overall, 2024 ended with mild volatility. The construction industry didn’t have much reaction to the Fed’s Q4 round of interest rate drops, and the Fed has been hesitant to drop interest rates more significantly. Still, newfound volatility could come in 2025 if Trump pushes through his planned tariffs on Chinese steel, copper and other construction materials.

The Automotive MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) held sideways from December to January, dropping a mere 0.48%. The index has yet to show a lot of momentum in 2025, with no clear trend up or down. However, the U.S. automotive industry has raised concerns about Trump’s proposed tariffs on automotive imports from Canada, Mexico and China.

The Global Precious Metals MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) moved sideways from December to January, trending downward by 2.77%. Over the past month, precious metal prices in the U.S. witnessed significant fluctuations, driven by a mix of economic trends and global political developments. The increase primarily stems from speculation amongst investors regarding President Trump’s trade strategies and a declining U.S. dollar.

The Global Precious Metals MMI ( Monthly Metals Index ) moved sideways from December to January, trending downward by 2.77%. Over the past month, precious metal prices in the U.S. witnessed significant fluctuations, driven by a mix of economic trends and global political developments. The increase primarily stems from speculation amongst investors regarding President Trump's trade strategies and a declining U.S. dollar.