Investing Topics: Commodities

Consolidation in Canada’s Oil Sands

By Roger S. Conrad on May. 24, 2017

Industry consolidation and recent pipeline approvals are encouraging developments for Canada’s oil-sands operators, but investors should continue to focus on quality and only buy when the price is right.

Mining Stocks: Take Profits

By Yiannis G. Mostrous on May. 10, 2016

Mining stocks have soared since we highlighted our top picks in a mid-February article. We revisit the macro outlook for the group and explain why these stocks have rallied too far, too fast.

Mining: High-Grading Continues, But Don’t Bet on a Quick Turnaround

By Yiannis G. Mostrous on Feb. 12, 2016

In the mining industry, operators with the strongest balance sheets will live to dig another day. Their dividends, however, may not.

Green Acres: The Fallow Years

By Elliott H. Gue on Aug. 28, 2015

Demand for agricultural products will continue to grow in coming decades, as rising household incomes prompt consumers in frontier and emerging markets upgrade their diets. But despite the recent hype in Barron’s and other financial publications, many of the agricultural industry’s former high flyers look like value traps in the current market. Cheap stocks can always get cheaper.

Oil Prices, Inventories and the US Dollar

By Elliott H. Gue on Jul. 4, 2015

Fluctuations in the US dollar's value relative to major international currencies can influence crude-oil prices. But many more important factors are also at play. Right now, elevated oil inventories, resilient US production and the prospect of refinery turnarounds set the stage for seasonal downside in the price of West Texas Intermediate.

A Positive Spin

By Yiannis G. Mostrous on Jun. 11, 2015

The mining industry continues to grapple with persistent oversupplies of many base metals, depressed prices and rising costs. This recent spin-off promises a generous dividend and incremental upside from cost cutting.

Looking for a Pullback

By Elliott H. Gue on Apr. 30, 2015

Technical factors and weakness in the US economy suggest that the risk of a 5 percent to 10 percent pullback in the S&P 500 continues to rise. As a precaution, we’ve exited a number of positions in recent months, usually for a profit. We highlight several stocks we’re watching for potential inclusion in our Wealth Builders Portfolio.

Asia 2015: The Year of Reforms

By Yiannis G. Mostrous on Jan. 15, 2015

The long-term growth story for Asia’s emerging markets will gain support from reform efforts under way in China, India and Indonesia. Reasonable valuations in these equity markets create a decent entry point for patient investors who take the long view.

Mining Stocks: Good Value, But Recovery Pushed Back to 2016

By Yiannis G. Mostrous on Dec. 23, 2014

Concerns about slowing economic growth in China, coupled with supply overhangs in many key commodity markets, have weighed on share prices in the mining industry. But bargains abound for income-seeking investors with the patience to wait for a recovery.

Oil’s Skid and Our Future Outlook

By Elliott H. Gue on Nov. 12, 2014

The retrenchment in US and international oil prices has flummoxed many investors after three years of relative stability. Here our update price outlook for this critical commodity.