Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 
 
Blog Home
Bob Carey
Chief Market Strategist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 

  A Key Indicator Helps Track the Demand for Platinum
Posted Under: Commodities
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
View from the Observation Deck

  1. Most investors are probably less familiar with platinum than gold, silver, aluminum or copper.
  2. The top three uses for platinum are autocatalysts (catalytic converters for cars), industry and jewelry.
  3. While the overall percentage of platinum used in manufacturing catalytic converters is currently 32%, according to Platinum Today, it has been closer to 50% in the past.
  4. As the chart above shows, U.S. car sales declined from a pre-credit crisis level of around 17 million vehicles a year to an annualized pace of 13.2 million in 10/11. (Bloomberg)
  5. Sales actually fell below a 10 million annualized pace in 2008 amidst the credit crisis.
  6. U.S. auto sales, however, could rise to an annualized pace of 14.0 million by the second half of 2012, according to J.D. Power and Associates and LMC Automotive.
  7. The spot price of platinum stood at $1,555 an ounce during the trading session on 11/22. At that level, the price was down approximately 10.3% in 2011. (Bloomberg)
Posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 @ 4:06 PM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
Search Posts
MARKET ANALYSIS
Market Commentary and Analysis
•Market Commentary Video
•Monthly Talking Points
•Quarterly Newsletter
•Market Observations
Subscribe To Receive Email
 


 PREVIOUS POSTS
• Peeling Back the Onion for a Closer Look at Emerging Markets Equities
• Companies Repurchasing Stock at a Better than Average Clip
• Earnings Growth May Be Decelerating but Earnings Haven’t Peaked
• A Snapshot of Stocks Coming and Going
• Focus on Financials
• One Word: Earnings!
• Two Investment Structures Designed to Generate Cash Distributions to Investors
• Even People Hiding in a Safe House Keep One Eye on the Exit
• Best Recession Ever
• One Man’s Take on the Potential Upside of the S&P 500
Archive
Skip Navigation Links.
Search by Topic
Skip Navigation Links.

 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.