January 2026 saw dramatic swings across commodity markets, with precious metals soaring to record highs before a sharp correction, while energy commodities rallied on strong winter demand. The month underscored the sector's inherent volatility amid shifting seasonal and macroeconomic forces.
Crude oil benchmarks plunged over 7%, with Brent near $66 and WTI around $62, as President Trump's comments eased fears of a U.S.-Iran conflict and a sell-off in metals markets spilled over. Analysts suggest the drop reflects a rapid unwinding of risk premiums rather than a fundamental change in supply dynamics.
In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.
A key ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed legislation to prohibit social media access for children under 16, framing the move as a response to digital addiction and the exploitation of Indian user data by foreign tech giants, amid a growing global regulatory push.
Silver's explosive surge past $100 has reshaped the commodity landscape. With Citi and prominent strategists forecasting a run toward $150, the metal is now seen as a volatile barometer of macro fears, structural deficits, and relentless industrial demand, establishing a potential new floor above $65.
A Nevada judge has barred prediction market platform Polymarket from operating in the state, leaning on recent federal rulings against similar platforms. The decision marks a significant setback for the company's regulated U.S. relaunch and underscores the ongoing legal tension between state gambling laws and federal commodities regulations.
As markets face significant pressure, certain portfolios tied to strategic commodities, resilient tech, and innovative crypto infrastructure are showing notable resilience. Analysts point to long-term thematic bets that are weathering the current storm.
In a landmark move to end regulatory ambiguity, the SEC and CFTC have formally merged their 'Project Crypto' into a single rulebook. The joint initiative aims to harmonize federal oversight of crypto markets, drawing clearer lines between securities and commodities as legislative efforts advance in Congress.
Silver prices have erased most of their historic 2025-2026 gains in a dramatic reversal, highlighting the profound and volatile impact of Chinese retail speculation on global commodity markets.
Global markets opened the week under pressure, with Asian shares and U.S. futures declining amid renewed concerns over an AI sector bubble and falling commodity prices. South Korea's Kospi led losses with a sharp 4.6% drop.
Micron Technology, a key player in memory chips, is poised for explosive earnings growth fueled by insatiable AI demand. Yet, its cyclical nature and commoditized market pose significant long-term risks for investors.
As AI data centers drive an unprecedented surge in U.S. power demand, natural gas producer EQT is positioning itself as a critical pillar of energy security. Its proven operational resilience during extreme weather events underscores a strategic shift from a pure commodity play to an essential infrastructure partner.
Despite a sharp 22% drop in cocoa sales volume and multi-year lows in cocoa futures, Barry Callebaut's (SWX:BARN) share price has rallied strongly. Analysts are divided on whether the current valuation reflects deep value or overlooks persistent headwinds in its core commodity business.
Soybean prices extended their decline on Friday, pressured by lackluster export sales data and a broader commodity sell-off. With key commitments lagging last year's pace, traders are now looking ahead to next week's crush data for signs of domestic demand strength.
A stunning reversal wiped out months of gains for precious metals on Friday, with gold futures tumbling to $4,800 and silver recording a historic single-day drop, sparking fears of a volatile new phase for commodity markets.
Morgan Stanley and Barclays have both lowered their price targets for Appalachian Basin natural gas leader Antero Resources (AR), citing revised commodity forecasts. Despite the cuts, Morgan Stanley maintains an 'Overweight' rating, signaling continued confidence in the stock's long-term trajectory.
Silvercorp Metals has solidified its expansion into Central Asia by acquiring a majority stake in Chaarat ZAAV CJSC, forming a joint venture with state-owned Kyrgyzaltyn to develop permitted gold projects. The move signals a strategic pivot for the historically silver-focused miner as it seeks to balance geographic and commodity risks.
Hycroft Mining Holding Corp. (HYMC) fell sharply for a second consecutive session, mirroring a pullback in gold and silver prices after their record-breaking rallies. The decline highlights the stock's sensitivity to commodity price swings despite recent positive operational updates.
Asian equities broadly declined on Friday, taking cues from a volatile U.S. session marked by a historic plunge in Microsoft shares. The sell-off extended to commodities, with oil and precious metals also losing ground.
The quiet maneuvering between Carlyle Group, Russia's Lukoil, and the UAE reveals a fundamental shift in global energy finance. As Western sanctions redraw the map, a new playbook is emerging—one where assets are restructured, risks are repackaged, and geopolitical neutrality becomes a tradable commodity.
