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.

view more


Infographic-G20 Inflation Tracker: July

September 4, 2025--Key Highlights:
Argentina and Turkey remain outliers, with inflation at 36.6% and 33.5%-the highest in the G20 despite some cooling.
The United States held steady at 2.7%, lower than expected even amid tariff pressures.
The United Kingdom saw inflation climb to 3.8%, running hotter than market forecasts.

view more

How Stablecoins and Other Financial Innovations May Reshape the Global Economy

September 4, 2025--Policymakers will need to achieve a difficult balance between benefits and risks while safeguarding both individual consumers and financial stability
Three years ago, Finance & Development devoted a full issue to anticipating "The Money Revolution," driven by innovations in finance, such as crypto assets. That revolution is now unfolding.

view more

Finance Changed, Risks Didn't

September 4, 2025--New technologies are rewiring liquidity, payments, and economic stability
More than 15 years after the global financial crisis,the banking and financial system looks safer. But it's also evolving in ways that are reshaping who provides liquidity,how money moves,and risks to economic and financial stability. As a result,the next shock may begin not in a bank,but in the new infrastructure underpinning the system.

view more

Ondo Brings Over 100 Tokenized U.S. Stocks and ETFs Onchain, Starting on Ethereum

September 3, 2025--Ondo Global Markets offers 24/7 onchain exposure to U.S. stocks and ETFs
Over 100 U.S. securities are now available, with hundreds more coming
Available to qualifying global (non-U.S.) investors, making Ondo one of the largest gateways to U.S. markets for global investors

view more