OEM Insights ~ October 24

Supply Dynamics’ OEM Insights

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Take a look at this week's roundup of the most current and compelling industry news, updates, and trends related to OEMs and anything that impacts them. Read on to discover the latest in:

1. Industry News: Gartner Identifies the Four Phases of the Blockchain Spectrum 
2. Trade War: "Substantial Progress," Vice Premier Liu Confirms Phase One of Trade Deal is in Progress
3. Metal Trends: Freeport Posts Quarterly Loss as Copper Output Slumps

Industry News

• Gartner Identifies the Four Phases of the Blockchain Spectrum: Blockchain is forecast to generate $3.1 trillion in new business value worldwide by 2030, half of it by 2025 with applications designed for operational improvement. As such, Gartner created the Blockchain Spectrum to examine the phased evolution of blockchain solutions and how this path aligns with the anticipated value businesses can derive. (Gartner)

• Alcoa Heads for Biggest Gain Since 2016 on $1 Billion Revamp: Alcoa Corporation's shares headed for the biggest gain since early 2016 as investors welcomed the company’s plans to get leaner by selling assets to weather a market rout. The asset sales follow the company’s worst streak of quarterly losses in at least three years. (Bloomberg) 

Trade War 

• China’s Liu Confirms Phase One of Trade Deal is in Progress: China’s top trade negotiator offered positive signals that talks with the U.S. are making progress, and both sides are working toward a partial trade deal. “China and the U.S. have made substantial progress in many aspects, and laid an important foundation for a phase one agreement,” Vice Premier Liu He said at a technology conference in Nanchang, Jiangxi, on Saturday (10/19). (Bloomberg)
• Yuan Set to Stay Above 7 Even if the U.S. & China Hammer Out a Trade Deal: The yuan will continue trading above 7-per-dollar even if the United States and China manage to ink a partial deal, experts say. The Chinese currency, also known as the renminbi, has eased in recent months as trade tensions between Washington and Beijing intensified. (CNBC)

Metal Trends 

• Freeport Posts Quarterly Loss as Copper Output Slumps: Freeport McMoRan Inc. reported a third-quarter loss on Wednesday as copper production was hit by lower output at its Peru mine and its move to underground mining at its giant Grasberg mine in Indonesia. Meanwhile, demand for copper, especially from top consumer China, has declined in the past year as the prolonged trade war stifles global growth and hurts prices. (Reuters)

• LME Nickel Price Climbs 1%; Zinc Moves Higher: The three-month nickel price on the London Metal Exchange was higher during morning trading on Thursday October 24, climbing just under 1% amid moderate turnover, while a similar uptick in zinc saw the galvanizing metal close in on nearby resistance levels. (Metal Bulletin) 

About Supply Dynamics: Supply Dynamics provides leading Fortune 500 manufacturers with real-time visibility and control over the “material-input” requirements (metals, plastics, electronics, etc.) of their extended supply chain. Our innovative solutions allow our customers to reduce the cost of raw materials and component parts that go into their products, enhance collaboration with supply chain stakeholders, and ensure that the timely purchase and supply of material-inputs is never the reason a part is late. To learn more, visit www.supplydynamics.com.