Platinum prices top palladium’s for the first time since 2018

  • Platinum traded higher than palladium this month for the first time in nearly six years
  • Platinum’s premium over palladium has proven to be short-lived
  • Platinum is in a fundamental market deficit driven by strong demand and strained supply
  • Palladium’s rise and fall has helped to strengthen platinum prices
  • Global palladium market is expected to move into a surplus starting in 2025
  • Global platinum supply is forecast to see deficits in the coming years
  • Platinum demand is supported by substitution in catalytic converters and use in industrial applications
  • Palladium demand is expected to remain at current levels while additional supply is expected from recycling
  • The biggest challenges for industrial demand are the health of the Chinese economy, global decarbonization efforts, and supply risks
  • Current metals prices are generally not sufficient to motivate new production

Platinum has traded higher than palladium this month, marking the first time in nearly six years. However, this premium has proven to be short-lived as prices have fallen back below palladium’s. Despite this, platinum is in a fundamental market deficit driven by strong demand and strained supply. The rise and fall of palladium has actually helped to strengthen platinum prices. The global palladium market is expected to move into a surplus starting in 2025, while global platinum supply is forecast to see deficits in the coming years. Platinum demand is supported by substitution in catalytic converters and use in industrial applications, while palladium demand is expected to remain at current levels with additional supply coming from recycling. The biggest challenges for industrial demand are the health of the Chinese economy, global decarbonization efforts, and supply risks. Current metals prices are generally not sufficient to motivate new production.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides information about the recent trading dynamics between platinum and palladium, including price movements and supply-demand outlooks. It also includes quotes from industry experts and mentions factors that have influenced the market, such as the Volkswagen emissions scandal and the transition to electric vehicles. However, the article lacks in-depth analysis and relies heavily on quotes and statements from individuals without providing a broader perspective or counterarguments.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides some analysis of the platinum and palladium markets, discussing factors such as supply and demand, substitution, and the impact of events like the Volkswagen emissions scandal. However, there is some repetitive information and the article could have provided more data and evidence to support its claims. Overall, it provides some insights into the dynamics of the platinum and palladium markets, but could have been more rigorous and focused.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the trading and prices of platinum and palladium, which are both precious metals used in various industries, including the automotive industry. The price movements and supply-demand dynamics of these metals can impact the financial markets, particularly those involved in commodities trading and investments in precious metals.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article primarily focuses on the trading and price dynamics of platinum and palladium, without mentioning any extreme events or their impacts. Therefore, there is no extreme event to rate or justify.
Public Companies: Volkswagen AG (VOW)
Key People: David Holmes (Senior Vice President, Trading and Sales, Heraeus Metals NY), Edward Sterck (Director of Research, World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC))


Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com