The Determinants and Volatility of Prices in the Energy and Critical Mineral Markets
摘要
As a vital material foundation for global economic development, the fluctuation of mineral resource prices has a profound impact on the economies, industrial production, and international relations of various countries. In recent years, with the rapid development of the global economy and the intensification of resource consumption, the instability of mineral prices has become increasingly apparent. Therefore, gaining an in-depth understanding of the complex factors affecting mineral prices is crucial for resource countries, consumer countries, and global market participants alike. This chapter begins by analyzing the factors influencing mineral prices from three aspects: market factors, geopolitical risks, and social impacts. Market factors include supply and demand relationships, competitiveness of market structure, transaction methods, and market dynamics. Social impacts encompass market participants’ expectations, financial market trends, investor behavior, and the need for sustainable development. Furthermore, this chapter utilizes historical spot price data for various minerals, combined with significant market events, to provide a detailed descriptive and statistical analysis of the trends and fluctuations in mineral prices, offering a reference for policy-making and market participants’ decision-making.