High demand for energy-related critical minerals creates supply chain pressures

January 10, 2024--Critical minerals, such as cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earths, play a crucial role in the production of clean energy technologies, from wind turbines to electric cars. Over the past 20 years, annual trade in energy-related critical minerals has increased from US$ 53 billion to US$ 378 billion. However, the high demand for clean technology goods is putting pressure on the supply chains for these minerals.

Critical minerals are particularly in demand for the production of batteries for electric cars, with each battery requiring as much as 200kg of critical minerals. The battery sector is responsible for 70 per cent of the global demand for cobalt. It also requires aluminium, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earths. Electrolysers-crucial for green hydrogen production-rely on a variety of critical minerals, including platinum and iridium, two of the world’s rarest and most expensive metals. Rare earth elements are needed in particular for magnets, a vital component in many electrical machines, especially the most energy-efficient ones.

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Even as Global Uncertainty Surges, Economic Sentiment Remains Positive

November 10, 2025-Amid rising geopolitical rifts and trade tensions, global economic uncertainty has surged, yet sentiment about economic prospects remains positive
Major policy shifts this year have been adding to unknowns about the future and policy decisions, according to our World Uncertainty Index which has doubled since January.

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Gold Market Commentary: Technical difficulties October 2025

November 6, 2025-Key takeaways for the month:
Gold hit its 50th all-time high but faced a rollercoaster ride due to a momentum flush-out and a stronger dollar. Despite this, gold posted solid gains for the month.
Looking ahead, technical indicators suggest a short pause, but the overall trend remains strong, supported by solid fundamentals.

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