The commodity super-cycle: Demand intensity buoying prices

THE commodity super-cycle, in which commodity prices reach ever-higher highs and fall only to higher lows, is not over.

Despite the euphoria around shale gas — indeed, despite weak global growth — commodity prices have risen as much as 150% in the aftermath of the financial crisis. In the medium term, this trend will continue to pose an inflation risk and undermine living standards worldwide.

For starters, there is the convergence argument. As China grows, its size, wealth, and urbanisation will continue to stoke demand for energy, grains, minerals, and other resources.