Introduces topic of copper and asks if recent price move is based on fundamentals or speculation.
Scott
Mike McGlone
Short-term moves in metals like today are almost always speculation or short-covering. The key risk is that when metals go up, that becomes their own enemy and they end up going back down.
Mike McGlone
Specifically worried about silver leading rallies, as it's an indicator of excessive speculation and pain to come. Silver is overdue for extreme volatility.
Asks whether the weaker US dollar is leading the commodity rally or vice-versa.
Scott
Mike McGlone
The weaker dollar is leading the move. A weaker dollar is needed to fix the trade balance, which is what's happening.
Mike McGlone
Cautions that January is a time for new positions that often turn out wrong. Questions if the commodity strength can be sustained, noting the stock market must stay up for industrial commodities to go higher.
Mike McGlone
Notes the S&P 500 is at its cheapest vs. gold since 2013, implying the stock market is collapsing relative to the ancient store of value.
Asks if geopolitical tensions (US carrier group near Iran) are driving the oil price move.
Scott
Mike McGlone
Geopolitical spikes in oil are often used by traders as a chance to sell. Sees crude oil around $65 as a key level to test a short position and believes the price will be lower by year-end.
Mike McGlone
Adds that for the midterm elections, the political need is for lower energy, interest rates, and yields, which Trump has the ability to potentially make happen.