0143 GMT - A rebased commodity-price graph in Rio Tinto's 1H result shows copper and aluminum trading around long-term averages, but iron ore and lithium trading below. That prompts Macquarie analysts to contemplate the possible price risks it could face in those industries. "For those with long memories, they may recall when iron ore struggled to exceed $40/ton (nominal) prior to 2005 and lump VIU's [value-in-use] drove slim producer profits," say the analysts. At that time, the iron-ore market was experiencing oversupply from new basins, volume-based industry rivalry and strong customer buying power, they say. "We hope history does not repeat itself." (rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com; @RhiannonHoyle)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 31, 2025 21:43 ET (01:43 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.