Daily Chemical Reaction
Key Points:
- The US Sept. producer price index (PPI) posting exceeded expectations. Most views of inflation peaking in 4Q22 inadequately consider energy market and geopolitical risks.
- Global economic growth concerns and energy transition headwinds support the OPEC crude oil supply cuts when considering their view of maximizing near-term cash flow.
- We flag the BASF business update, discuss the EU conditional approval of the Celanese acquisition of DuPont M&M, and flag lows in US spot propylene relative to propane.
- Virgin plastic prices have fallen relative to recycled resin prices, putting packager resin sourcing ambitions to the test. We also discuss carbon taxes and border adjustments.
- US mortgage rates hit more than a 20yr high this week, mattress sales indicators are falling, and multiple data points suggest a global economic slowdown is underway.
See PDF below for all charts, tables and diagrams