Iron ore prices fell to their lowest in more than 5 weeks after industrial company earnings data in China showed the country’s economy continued to weaken.
Chinese data showed industrial company profits fell for a fourth straight month, on track for their worst annual decline since records began in 2000.
Singapore-traded iron ore futures fell below $100 a tonne, on track for a second weekly loss, taking their losses so far this year to 29% amid economic weakness in China and rising supplies from mining companies in Australia and Brazil.
Friday’s futures fell 1.8% to $98.95 a tonne, their lowest daily level since November 19, before paring losses slightly to $99.10.