Commodity prices generally fell in the September-ending quarter, except for gold. Concerns about weak China end-user steel demand affected iron ore and other steelmaking commodities, while base metals prices fell on worries over slower economic growth in China and elsewhere.
Glencore's globe-spanning network of traders and logistics assets generates significant economies of scope.
Bears
Glencore's mining portfolio is overweight higher-risk countries with relatively underdeveloped institutions and limited legal safeguards for foreign investors.
Glencore is one of the world’s largest commodities traders, active in markets for metals and minerals, energy products, and agricultural goods. The firm's marketing business provides sourcing, logistics, transportation, storage, and financing services to commodity producers and consumers around the globe. Core exposures are in the production of thermal coal, coking coal, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and ferroalloys. Unlike other major miners, Glencore plans to produce thermal coal until its mines exhaust, arguing that it is better for listed, western companies to own these assets and then rehabilitate them consistent with western standards. It also expanded its coking coal exposure via the purchase of 77% of Teck's metallurgical coal business in July 2024.