BIR World Mirror on Non-Ferrous Metals - January 2012

Prepare for a year of challenges

The factors that served to establish metals values in the last quarter of 2011 are still with us as we flip our calendars to 2012. Uncertainty prevails in most economies, creating swift and dramatic reactions to just about any “news” that’s meant to help us understand what it is that serves to move metals markets. The volatility of 2011, the result of on-going nervous reaction to European and American economic travails, will no doubt continue to play a large part in determining whether we can look back favorably on this year once it’s done.

The Non-Ferrous Metals Division has a number of programs slated for our Conventions this year, beginning in Rome and then in the autumn in Barcelona. In conjunction with the International Trade Council, we will be part of an industry-wide discussion on metals theft and fraud; there will also be discussion of transportation issues as well as, of course, our Round-Table programs.

We look forward to the year as, once again, one of challenges. I wish you and your families the very best for 2012, and a profitable one for your businesses.

Robert Stein
Alter Trading (USA)
President of the BIR Non-Ferrous Metals Division
3rd January 2012

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