Commodity prices show strength in the first quarter

Khaleej Times

31-03-2025

The commodities sector has emerged as one of the best-performing asset classes this year, research shows.
The Bloomberg Commodities Index, which tracks the total return of 24 major futures markets, spread close to evenly between energy, metals, and agriculture, has traded up 12.2 per cent in the past twelve months, with the bulk of that gain being achieved within the last three months. The year-to-date return shows a 7.9 per cent gain, well above the return seen on some of the major equity market indices.
On a sector level, precious and industrial metals stand out, having delivered returns this quarter of 15.2 per cent and 12.5 per cent, respectively, while the 12-month performance is even more impressive at 37.6 per cent and 18.1 per cent. This has been driven by continued haven demand for gold (+14.7 per cent) and silver (+16.7 per cent) amid ongoing demand from investors seeking protection in tangible assets against geopolitical and economic uncertainties, as well as central bank purchases of gold to reduce their dependency on fiat currencies, especially the dollar.
The industrial metals sector shows a clear distinction between New York-traded HG copper and those traded and tracked by futures contracts on the London Metal Exchange. The HG copper contract has surged to a record high on speculation that Trump may implement tariffs on imports within weeks. The premium HG copper trades over London has reached 17 per cent, helping to explain the major contribution of industrial metals to the BCOMTR — a sector that otherwise would struggle amid global growth concerns.
The energy sector has mostly been a story about natural gas strength, with a total return so far this year of around 25.5 per cent, while crude and fuel products have struggled amid a tug-of-war between economic growth concerns impacting demand and the increased threat of sanctions potentially reducing supply from Iran and Venezuela. 'This has, in turn, offset a planned OPEC+ production increase from next month,' Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy, Saxo Bank, wrote in a report.
Finally, the agriculture sector has delivered a small return of 2.2 per cent, with broad losses across an amply supplied grain and soybean complex partly offsetting gains in softs and livestock. Standout performances have come from Arabica coffee and sugar and, to a certain extent, live cattle.
Looking at the performances and individual weights, it can be seen that gold, copper, and natural gas have delivered close to 75 per cent of the total return, despite the three contracts only carrying a total index weight of 27.5 per cent. 'This highlights the advantage of holding broad exposure to commodities instead of trying to pick individual winners,' Hansen said.
Hansen identifies seven megatrends that are likely to push the commodities market this year upwards:
● Deglobalisation: The US-China rivalry is reshaping supply chains, prioritising security over cost, and increasing demand for critical resources.
● Defence: Rising geopolitical tensions are fuelling record military spending and stockpiling of key materials.
● Decarbonisation and power demand: Investments in renewables, EVs, AI, and data centers are driving demand for metals and energy.
● De-dollarisation: A shift from US dollar reliance is boosting gold purchases as a financial hedge.
● Debt and fiscal risks: High global debt and deficits are increasing demand for hard assets like gold and silver.
● Demographics & urbanisation: Ageing Western populations and growing emerging economies are driving resource demand.
● Climate change: Higher power needs for cooling, food security concerns, and protectionism
'So far this millennium, we have witnessed three major commodities bull cycles, the biggest being the China-led rally from 2002 to 2008, followed by the pandemic- and Ukraine war-led spike between 2020 and 2022. In the past three years, the index has traded mostly sideways before making a renewed upside attempt within the past couple of months,' Hansen said.