COMMERCIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 50, 28 February 1923, Page 7

COMMERCIAL.

THE METAL MARKET. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 26. Cooper, £71 16/3 to £72 8/9; lead. 2»1 to 2s|; spelter, 38_: tin 190} to 2012; silver, 318,—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) AMERICAN TRADE CONDITIONS. new tear Opens well. The ' report of Messrs. Maeller and Quereau, of New York, written January 18, 1923, opens as follows:—"Tbe New Year opens with wonderful activity throughout the entire United States, and manufacturers and dealers are all counting on in enormous trade that will keep them fully occupied during the entire year. Many of them have already sold very largely ahead during the first six months, and others are reluctsnt to make prices for any long periods, counting on advances in many lines of goods. This applies to our domestic trade, which is in a very promising condition, and the country is likely to prosper to a marked degree in Its various activities. Export trade, however, outside of toodstnffs and cotton, is not at all active, and this is not surprising in view of the difficulties that foreign nations are experiencing ln not being able to pay for merchandise. While these difficulties continue there will undoubtedly be' considerable restriction ln the export business, and tbe merchants ln the United States do not look with favourable views on extending credits, particularly to European nations. There is, however, a fair volume moving in many lineß, and in the steel trade it is expected that a larger business will be done than for the year Just closed. Political matters are not likely to be very active during this year, and that should have a favourable . effect on business ln general If the troubles in Europe can once be settled, then we anticipate that world-wide trade will again become very active and satisfactory for all concerned. The general impression is that we are facing a period of strong prices in nearly all lines of mercbandi.se. and that we cannot count upon a recession in prices and undoubtedly there will be considerable delay ln making shipments owlug Ito the large bookings ln general trade."