The latest Market Talks covering Basic Materials. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.
0257 GMT - Ganfeng Lithium's positive 1Q profit alert, driven by a surge in the average selling price of lithium carbonate, aligns with expectations, Citi analyst Jack Shang says in a note. The bank, which maintains its buy rating and HK$66.70 stock target price, says there is a risk of lithium prices skewing higher given strong on-the-ground demand and on-and-off supply disruptions. The stock is down 0.8% at HK$83.50. (venkat.pr@wsj.com)
1809 GMT - Both gold and silver futures finish the day lower, with front-month gold closing down 0.3% to $4,785.40 a troy ounce while silver falls 1.1% to $78.606/oz. While down today, support is seen longer-term for precious metals as a resolution to the war in Iran looks possible. "The movement in gold has been supported by a context in which investors are seeking a balance between risk assets and safe-haven instruments," says Antonio Di Giacomo of XS.com in a note. He adds that gold has shown resilience in higher volatility trading in recent weeks, but the attitude towards precious metals remains more leaning towards speculation than being a safe-haven choice. (kirk.maltais@wsj.com)
1030 GMT - 06:30 ET - Strong safe-haven demand should keep the price of gold elevated through this year, with the precious metal likely to average around $4,990 an ounce after topping an average $3,435 in 2025, Canada's export credit agency forecasts. Export Development Canada in its spring outlook argues gold will peak in 2026, then as uncertainty eases and high prices curb demand it will gradually decline in 2027 to average $4,689 an ounce. EDC says that over time, jewelry demand is expected to regain its traditional role as the primary source of gold demand, while investment-driven volatility moderates. (robb.stewart@wsj.com; @RobbMStewart)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 17, 2026 04:20 ET (08:20 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.