Falling Commodity Prices Could Bother US Investors

Although US steel prices and physical aluminum premiums have spiked this year after the Section 232 tariffs, metal prices have been largely subdued. Recently, seaborne iron ore prices fell to a multi-month low. Aluminum, zinc, and copper have also come under pressure amid concerns about the US-China trade war. Gold (GLD), which is generally seen as a safe-haven asset, has also been subdued. However, energy prices (XLE) have shown strength amid supply-side concerns due to looming Iran sanctions.