by , Jeff Yoders on JULY 12, 2016

Goldman Sachs has revised its base metal outlook for the year and Alcoa, Inc., has opened earnings season by reporting lower-than-expected Q2 profits.

Goldman Sachs Joins Base Metal Bulls

Goldman Sachs on Monday raised its outlook for zinc, aluminum and nickel prices anticipating supply inequalities to continue across the metals sphere throughout the second half of the year.

“In our view, the impact of the prior stimulus is still set to result in sufficient demand growth such that we will continue to see supply differentiation across the metals space during the second half of 2016,” the bank said in a note to investors.

Alcoa Reports Lower-Than-Expected 2Q Profit

Alcoa, Inc. on Monday reported a lower quarterly net profit, with falling aluminum and alumina prices pressuring revenue while plant operations have been scaled back ahead of a spinoff of its traditional smelting business later this year.

Alcoa reiterated its forecast for global automotive production growth in 2016 of 1% to 4%, but said continued weakness in the North American market would offset anticipated growth in heavy-duty truck, trailer and bus production in China.