SHFE Nickel Falls 0.41% (Dec. 22, 2015)

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has driven international oil prices sharply higher, a trend that has deeply unsettled Wall Street. Wall Street is concerned that US inflation could reaccelerate as a result, forcing the US Fed to delay interest rate cuts and even shift its policy direction toward rate hikes. Bank of America revealed that "whether the Fed will raise interest rates this year" has become a key question its clients have frequently asked in recent days. BofA noted that although the possibility of a rate hike cannot be entirely ruled out, three conditions would need to be met for one to occur: the labour market remains stable, inflation worsens further, and Powell continues to serve as Fed Chairman.

According to a US official and people familiar with the matter, after three weeks of fighting in Iran so far, the Trump administration has begun preliminary consultations on arrangements for the next phase of action and possible peace talks with Iran. However, US officials said the fighting is expected to continue for another two to three weeks. In addition, the official said that any ceasefire agreement must meet the following conditions: the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a resolution to the issue of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and the conclusion of a long-term agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and its support for proxy armed groups in the region.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Alcoa Arconic’s Davenport, Iowa Plant Arconic held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $175 million investment project at its Davenport, Iowa plant. The project will add a state-of-the-art aluminum casting complex to the facility. For company leadership, the No. 10 Pit expansion project represented both growth in the manufacturing business and a long-term commitment to the region. With expanded capacity, advanced technology, and a focus on efficiency and sustainability, Arconic was positioning itself and the local community for the next generation of industrial growth. Once completed, No. 10 Pit will significantly expand casting ingot capacity, increase aluminum scrap recycling, and improve overall energy efficiency.