US Copper Scrap prices decline in line with LME Copper

By Vibin Antony
United States scrap copper prices declined on Wednesday in line with LME copper amid a weak outlook.

The prices for copper scrap posted a decline on Scrap Register Price Index as on Wednesday. The prices of Al/Cu Radiator Ends, #1 Ins Wire (Cu 88-92%), #2 Ins Wire (Cu 58-62%), Alternator and Bare Bright (Cu >99%) dropped on Wednesday.

Copper prices at London Metal Exchange settled at $5485.50 a ton on Wednesday, represent a drop of 1.3% from previous day’s close of $5557 a ton, and while inventories up by 6450 tons to 244675 tons and a cancelled warrants ratio of 9.5%.

However, Benchmark lending rates in the US, the world’s second- biggest copper consumer, will rise in June, according to 45% of 53 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The Fed’s decision on interest rates is due at 2 p.m. in Washington. Chilean copper producer Antofagasta Plc said on Wednesday that it’s “optimistic” on the outlook for copper prices.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

LME Copper declines to $5485.50 a ton; Nickel up 1.74%

By Vibin Antony
Major base metal prices and inventories at London Metal Exchange showed a negative trend on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve signaled it would stick to plans for a rate hike this year, drawing back liquidity that has underpinned metals.

Prices for LME copper down by 1.29% to $5485.50 a ton on Wednesday, while inventories rose by 7825 tons to 244675 tons and a cancelled warrants ratio of 9.44%. Prices for LME tin ans zinc declined on Wednesday, while aluminium alloy remained flat.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday said the U.S. economy was expanding "at a solid pace" with strong job gains, in a signal that the central bank remains on track with its plans to raise interest rates this year.

However, Prices for LME nickel, aluminium and lead advanced on Wednesday. Prices for LME nickel gained by 1.74% to $14930 a ton on Wednesday, while inventories down by 374tons to 423726 tons and a cancelled warrants ratio of 26.57%.

Latest LME Inventories and Cancelled Warrants Ratio are given Below:

In the above table Green and Red indicate up and down in Inventories respectively.

Data Courtesy to LME, (This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

India Copper, Aluminium Scrap prices show mixed trend

By Vibin Antony
Prices for aluminium and copper scrap in India showed a mixed trend on Thursday.

The scrap prices for aluminium rod company, aluminium accessories scrap, aluminium rod local and aluminium utensil scrap witnessed down trend on Scrap Register Prices Index as on Thursday.

Prices for scrap aluminium ingots remained unchanged from previous close, while aluminium sheet cutting and aluminium wire scrap traded down.

As of 17: 40 IST, the most active aluminium January futures contract on India's Multi Commodity Exchange edged up to 116.05 per kilogram as compare to previous close of 115.65 a kilogram.

The scrap prices for copper armature, copper cable scrap, copper heavy scrap, copper sheet cutting and copper utensil scrap showed a negative trend on Scrap Register Prices Index as on Thursday, while copper mixed scrap, copper super d.rod and copper wire scrap prices traded up.

As of 17: 40 IST, the most active copper February futures contract on India's Multi Commodity Exchange slipped to 354 per kilogram as compare to previous close of 357.10 a kilogram.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

LME Metal prices, Inventories show mixed trend on Wednesday

By Vibin Antony
Major base metal prices and inventories at London Metal Exchange showed a mixed trend on Wednesday ahead of the Thursday's European Central Bank (ECB) meeting.

Prices for LME copper down by 2.3% to $5630.50 a ton on Wednesday, while inventories rose by 3225 tons to 219450 tons and a cancelled warrants ratio of 10.8%.

Copper inventories advanced on Wednesday as good housing data came from the U.S, the world's secondary biggest consumer. US home builders broke ground on more houses in December 2014, U.S. Department of Commerce reported Wednesday.

LME Aluminium prices edged up to $1831 a ton on Wednesday, while inventories down by 4200 tons to 4102475 tons and a cancelled warrants ratio of 57.12%.

Prices for LME nickel gained by 1.6% to $14770 a ton on Wednesday, while inventories rose by 1902 tons to 419964 tons and a cancelled warrants ratio of 23.47%.

LME Aluminium alloy prives advanced on Wednesday, while lead, tin and zinc traded down.

Latest LME Inventories and Cancelled Warrants Ratio are given Below:



NB: In the above table Green and Red indicate up and down in Inventories respectively. Data Courtesy to LME

The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to meet on Thursday, which could see some movements in currencies, with many market participants expecting the ECB to introduce a quantitative easing programme at this week's policy meeting.

 (This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Gold’s safe haven appeal drives a premium to Platinum

By Vibin Antony
Risk aversion and uncertainty across Europe have buoyed gold prices to September highs, driving the platinum-gold spread into a discount while palladium prices have plummeted, said Barclays in a snippet.

Disinvestment and concerns over China have scope to weigh on palladium in the near term while safe-haven buying could push gold higher; however, Barclays believes the underlying fundamentals look attractive for palladium and would view lows as a buying opportunity while gold is likely to lose steam.

The two stand-out precious metals have been gold and palladium. As the EURUSD has fallen to levels last seen in 2003, US 10y Treasuries have fallen to May 2013 lows, oil prices toppled below $50/bbl and S&P fallen to one-month lows, gold prices have rallied to September highs breaching $1260/oz, while palladium has tumbled below $750/oz to October lows.

Gold is now trading at a premium to platinum, having toyed with the spread in late December and not having traded at a premium for consecutive sessions since April 2013.

Although Barclays expects Q1 15 to be the strongest for gold in light of physical demand ahead of the Lunar New Year as well as the recent safe-haven buying, current prices are approaching toppy levels, in Barclays' view.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

US Spot Gold prices branch above $1,300 an ounce mark; Scrap Gold prices dip

By Vibin Antony
Spot gold prices in the United States markets branched to above $1,300 an ounce mark on Wednesday, while scrap gold prices showed a bearish trend.

Spot gold prices in the United States markets was last traded up $7.90 an ounce to reach $1,302.50 an ounce on Wednesday. Safe-haven demand and technically based buying are boosting the yellow metal, ahead of important fundamental events that will unfold in the coming days.

The prices for hallmarked and non-hallmarked gold scrap posted a decline on Scrap Register Price Index as on Wednesday. The prices of 9ct Gold Scrap hallmarked dropped to $468.783 an ounce and 14ct Gold Scrap hallmarked traded down at $731.301 an ounce on Wednesday.

The prices of 9ct Gold Scrap non-hallmarked declined to $443.411 an ounce and 14ct Gold Scrap non-hallmarked traded down at 691.72 an ounce.

Gold futures prices have moved above what was psychological resistance at the $1,300.00 level and hit another five-month high in early U.S. trading Wednesday. The most active gold February contract on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile exchange was last up $8.10 at $1,302.10 an ounce.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Taiwanese containerized scrap import prices fall further to $260 a ton

By Vibin Antony
Taiwanese containerized scrap import prices for HMS #1&2 80:20 dropped further by $5 a ton to $260 a ton in the week ended January 16, as per The Steel Index.

Japanese scrap continues to be flavour of the month for Taiwanese steel mills, with the depreciation of the Japanese Yen only serving to make the material even more favourable.

This situation suits Japanese suppliers down to the ground, with Korean mills carrying high scrap inventories and not in the market for further material.

The scrap prices for aluminium, brass, copper, lead, tin and zinc advanced in Japan on Scrap Register price Index as on Thursday.

US-origin ISRI-grade scrap purchases have also been made in small quantities.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Indian containerized shredded scrap prices remain flat on poor Steel demand

By Vibin Antony
Although in recent years we have seen steel demand in India peak around this time, no such rebound has threatened to materialize so far in 2015.

According to TSI, containerized shredded index for Indian imports remained flat at $329 a ton CFR Nhava Sheva off the back of another week of limited trade.

With such low finished steel demand, a number of mills have an excess of stock and are therefore running at around 50% capacity.

More bad news for the Indian scrap import market comes in the form of the continued Rupee weakness and the tightening of credit lines from Indian banks. Alongside suppliers who are reticent to lower prices, the majority of Indian mills are relying on cheaper local scrap.

A light at the end of the tunnel however does come in the form of the Indian Central bank’s decision to lower interest rates yesterday and the potential for a growth-orientated budget to be published by the new government at the end of February.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Barclays expects Platinum to average $1324/oz during 2015

By Vibin Antony
British bank Barclays expects platinum prices are likely to average $1324 an ounce this year.

Uncertainty persists about the level of above-ground stocks, given platinum’s subdued price performance despite the launch of a physically backed ETP that has absorbed over 1Moz and a five-month strike in the largest platinum producing nation, South Africa.

Combined with lower gold prices, this uncertainty is likely to cap platinum’s gains, but Barclays believes pressure is likely to remain to the upside.

Barclays expects the platinum market to deliver its fourth consecutive deficit this year as supply recovers and stocks are replenished, set against a backdrop of unplanned maintenance, rising concerns over power supply and operational reviews.

Auto-related demand has shown signs of firming across Europe, amplified by the implementation of Euro 6 and Euro VI legislation, and jewellery demand has been responsive to lower prices.

A stronger dollar, higher by-product prices and weaker oil prices have helped offset rising cost pressures. Underlying costs continue to increase, which could raise the floor for prices, but firming auto and jewellery demand are more likely to provide a cushion.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Barclays expects Palladium to outperform Gold, Silver in 2015

By Vibin Antony
Barclays expects palladium once again to outperform the complex, including gold and silver, this year. Barclays also expects the upward pressure on prices to remain for the third straight year and test 14-year highs, driven by the market delivering a sizeable deficit for the fourth year in a row.

Investor appetite looks to be supportive, with ETP holdings scaling record highs; more importantly, underlying demand, driven by the auto sector, continues to grow.

Tighter emissions legislation, platinum substitution and growth in key markets – the US and China – bode well for palladium. Downside risks stem from a contraction in auto demand in China; disinvestment; and, of course, surprise stock releases.

ETPs have proved to be a source of supply as well as demand, but the decline in the rouble and Norilsk Nickel’s announcement that it was in talks to buy $2bn of palladium (approximately 2.5Moz) have again cast uncertainty over the size of above-ground stocks.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

China Copper Scrap prices advance on Monday; SHFE Copper slips

By Vibin Antony
The prices for major Chinese copper scrap commodities advanced on Monday, while the future prices at Shanghai Metal Exchange slipped to RMB 41,190 a ton.

The prices for major copper scrap commodities including Bare Bright (Cu >99%), Copper Scrap, No. 1 Copper (Cu 96-98%) and No. 2 Copper (Cu 94-96%) showed an up trend on Scrap Register Price Index as on Monday.

According to the Scrap Register Price Index, Bare Bright (Cu >99%) scrap prices advanced to CNY 38,650 and copper scrap prices gained to CNY 41, 310 a metric ton.

The most active copper contract on Shanghai Futures Exchange settled down slightly by 0.29% to RMB 41,190 a ton on Monday.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

US Scrap Gold prices rise on Monday in line with COMEX Gold

By Vibin Antony
United States scrap gold prices are advanced on Monday in line with COMEX gold prices.

Prices for scrap gold advanced on Scrap Register Price Index as on Monday. Furthermore, increased demand at domestic spot markets also influenced scrap prices.

The most active February gold contract on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange closed last Friday at $1,276.90 an ounce, up $53.90 or 4.41% since Monday.

Safe-haven demand helped gold prices end last week at its highest level since early September and the ongoing volatility should continue to support gold this week.

As per Scrap Register Price Index, the prices of 9ct Gold Scrap hallmarked advanced to $464.691 an ounce and 14ct Gold Scrap hallmarked traded at 724.917 an ounce on Monday.

The prices of 9ct Gold Scrap non-hallmarked advanced to $439.54 an ounce and 14ct Gold Scrap non-hallmarked traded at 685.682 an ounce.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Barclays expects Gold test new lows in 2015

By Vibin Antony
Barclays expects gold prices to test new lows in 2015 as they battle formidable hurdles in the form of the dollar strengthening against the euro to levels last reached over 10 years ago and the first rate hike in the US in nine years.

Barclays forecasts that they will breach $1130/oz for the first time since April 2010. However, they believe the lows of this year and next are likely to offer attractive entry level prices for the longer-term investor as stale positions are flushed out and the physical market takes centre stage, setting the stage for the next leg higher for prices, but one driven by the East.

Gold prices have digested a whirlwind of external and internal factors in recent weeks, ranging from the rejection of the Swiss gold initiative to India’s surprise lifting of trade restrictions. However, gold remains at the mercy of the macro environment, in Barclays view.

In 2015, Barclays expects gold to remain under pressure but to find better support from the physical market. The British Bank expects prices to average $1170/oz as the market remains in surplus by more than 1kt, despite a projected contraction in recycled gold and the official sector remaining a net purchaser.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

China Steel, Stainless Steel Scrap prices drop in line with SHFE HRC Steel

By Vibin Antony
The prices for steel and stainless steel scrap in China dropped in line with HRC steel prices at Shanghai Future Exchange.

Slowing construction activities in northern China due to cold temperature have cut demand for steel products, while persistently tight liquidity in the new year has constrained traders' restocking.

Major steel and stainless scrap commodities in China showed a negative trend on Scrap Register Price Index as on Wednesday.

According to the Price Index, Chinese stainless steel 201, 301 and 316 solid and #1HMS steel scrap prices dropped on Thursday.

As of 9:45 IST on Friday, the most active HRC steel contract on Shanghai Futures Exchange traded down by RMB 8 a ton to RMB 2,666 a ton, while the steel rebar prices traded up by RMB 10 a ton to RMB 2,505 a ton.

In addition, Japanese-origin HRC steel offers stood above $490 a ton CFR Vietnam, but failed to attract many buyers at this level.

Offers from South Korean and Japanese mills into Indonesia (which has AD duties against Chinese HRC), were in the $515-520/t range, but participants noted mills were ready to cut deals at $10-15/t lower if prompted with serious buying interest.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

China Steel exports, Scrap Steel prices may drop during January

By Vibin Antony
Chinese steel exports and scrap steel prices are likely to drop during January.

As China, the world's biggest steel producer and exporter, accounting for about half of global output, this situation is causing repercussions not only in China but also in other countries through inter-industry linkages.

Prices for major steel scrap commodities in China continued to drop on Wednesday and expected to drop further in January as domestic demand slowed further dragging down the steel making raw material that has been weighed down by growing supply.

Outbound shipments of China’s steel products are expected to fall in January 2015. The removal of export rebate taxes on some boron-added steel products from the beginning of 2015 will negatively affect exports in January, as per the latest foresees by Steelease, Shanghai Metals Market’s ferrous branch.

Chinese steel exporters stepped up exports before the new policy comes into effect, sending higher exports in December. China exported 10.17 million tonnes of steel products in December, up 4.6% month-on-month, and up 89.4% year-on-year.

PMIs in major export destination countries are expected to fall in January, and this will also weaken demand for steel products.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Southern Europe HRC Steel import prices gain to €389 per ton

By Vibin Antony
Southern Europe hot rolled cold (HRC) steel import prices gained by €3 per ton weak-on-week to €389 per ton in the week ended January 09, as per the latest figures released by the The Steel Index.

According to TSI, South European markets were quieter in comparison, with HRC transacting around €390/t levels, unchanged from December-end.

ArcelorMittal announced €30/t increases for its coil prices, while other mills are apparently mulling over announcing similar hikes.

North European steel market activity resumed after the holiday season slowdown and HRC spot trades concluded between €400- 405/ton, although buyers with larger volume requirements were commanding price levels closer to the €400/t mark.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Scrap imports may remain expensive in India during January

By Vibin Antony
Scrap imports are likely to remain expensive in India during January of this year on higher USD/INR exchange rate.

The US Dollar to Indian Rupee (USD/INR) exchange rate edged slightly higher in early January following the publication of India’s Services PMI. The measure of the services sector eased from 52.6 in November to 51.1 in December.

Forecasts for the Rupee against the Dollar continue to be bullish and, if this trend continues, imported scrap will remain expensive.

According to The Steel Index, the disparity between the prices offered by suppliers and the bids that mills are willing to submit shows no signs of abating. With this being the case and domestic steel demand still lack-lustre, it seems domestic scrap may well continue to be the order of the day.

As of 10:30 am IST, The partially convertible rupee stronger at 62.18/19 per dollar compared with the previous close of 62.3250/3350, as most of the Asian currencies trade higher.

As per Scrap Register Price Index, Indian scrap commodities showed negative trend on Wednesday. The scrap prices for aluminium, brass, copper, nickel & alloy and zinc & lead are witnessed lower trend, while plastic and resin plastic prices remain flat.

The monthly average prices for TSI's containerized Indian imports of shredded material averaged $324.40 a ton CFR Nhava Sheva port in December, falling by $11.35 a ton month-on-month.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestion and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Silver to average $15.2 an ounce during 2015: Barclays

By Vibin Antony
Silver pricers are likely to average $15.2 an ounce during this year, as per Barclays latest metal outlook.

The silver balance could reach a turning point in the next couple of years as mine supply responds to lower prices, but before then, the fundamentals point to further price weakness.

Barclays believe the lows for the year could test levels not reached since 2009. Although there have been some mine closures as a result of lower prices, output has not been hugely affected to date.

But in Barclays' view, a lower price environment is likely to start to take its toll as 2015 draws to a close as projects are culled and production cut.

Thus, they forecast mine output will fall for the first time in eleven years, having hit successive record highs over that period. Despite the fall in supply and firming industrial demand, the market is set to remain in surplus.

Silver tends to outperform when both industrial and investment demand are growing, but Barclays believes investor appetite is likely to falter in gold’s shadow.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

ASEAN HRC Steel import prices decline to $462 a ton

By Vibin Antony
ASEAN hot rolled cold (HRC) steel import prices (CFR ASEAN port) declined by $6 a ton week-on-week to $462 a ton in the week ended January 09, as per the latest figures released by The Steel Index.

ASEAN import prices continued to weaken, with traders short-selling Chinese-origin HRC (SAE grades) as low as $455-465/tonne CFR ASEAN Port.

Mills’ offers were about US$5-8/t higher, although discounts were available for larger orders. SS400 grades were seen transacted between $450-455/t, as the gap between SS400 and SAE grades narrowed to $5-10/t.

Many buyers postponed deals, anticipating a price down trend may continue in the short-term.

As per Scrap Register Price Index, Chinese steel and stainless scrap prices remained flat on Wednesday.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

India Aluminium Scrap prices show mixed trend; MCX Aluminium drops to Rs. 112/kg

By Vibin AntonyAluminum scrap prices in India witnessed a mixed trend on Tuesday, while the future price at Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) dropped to Rs. 112 per kilo gram.

Indian aluminum scrap prices showed a mixed trend on Scrap Register Price Index as on Tuesday. Scrap prices of Aluminum Accessories advanced to 123, 000 a ton.

However, the scrap prices of aluminum ingots, aluminum wire, aluminum sheet cutting and aluminum utensil remained flat on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the scrap Aluminum Rod company and local witnessed a down trend on Tuesday, prices drop to 171,000 and 166,00 respectively.

Aluminum future prices have tumbled over the past seven weeks in all global exchanges. Concerns of a slowdown in China have dragged prices of base metals since late November. The fall was triggered by a contraction in China’s manufacturing activity.

International aluminum spot prices reached a of $2,099 a ton on November 28. Since then, prices have fallen by about 15% to $1,791 a ton currently.

Aluminum futures traded on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) which moves in tandem with the global spot price is also down over 14% during the same period.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Japan Copper Scrap prices up; LME Copper hits 5-1/2 year low

By Vibin Antony
Copper scrap prices in Japanese market showed an up-trend on Wednesday, while the red metal prices at London Metal Exchange recorded a 5-1/2 year low of $5,353.25 a ton.

Major copper scrap commodities in Japan witnessed an up-trend on Scrap Register Price Index as on Wednesday. The scrap prices for copper bottom, copper no.1, cutting copper, includes copper, ordinary copper, reduction of copper powder (above) are traded up on Wednesday.

However, the scrap prices for electrolytic cathode copper dropped to 746 per kilo gram on Wednesday, while prices for scrap Copper No.2 remained flat.

Three-month copper on the LME dived to $5,353.25 a ton, the weakest since July 2009, before trading at $5475 a ton at 02:34 GMT, still down 6.5 per cent on the day.

The most actively traded copper contract on Shanghai Futures Exchange, for March delivery, settled down by 2.7% to RMB 42,150 a metric ton on Wednesday in tandem with London copper.

(This article is researched and compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

US Scrap prices may continue to rise by $10-30 a long ton in January

By Vibin Antony
United States scrap prices are likely to continue its up-trend in January. All talk in the run-up to January “buy-week” has pointed to this occurring, with a $10-30 a long ton rise (dependent on location) being widely bandied about.

As per TSI, domestic scrap prices in the US rebounded in December, with the monthly average prices of shredded scrap for domestic deliveries increasing by $6 a long ton to $336 a long ton.

In a latest TSI Survey, US participants have long been looking to January as the month where restricted seasonal supply will translate into rising prices.

Participants hold mixed views on the direction of the market heading into January. Some are steadfast in their opinion that scrap prices will head higher, and mills will simply have to take a hit over the winter months whilst the supply of scrap remains restricted.

Others find it hard to see much more upside for scrap prices given the continued struggle faced by mills to place their finished steel.

If the widely-predicted buoyant US domestic market in January materializes, however, this will mean there is less scrap available for export.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)

Taiwan HMS 1/2 80:20 containerized scrap import prices decline further

By Vibin Antony
Taiwanese containerized scrap import prices for HMS #1&2 80:20 declined further by $10 a ton to $265 a ton in the week ended January 09, as per The Steel Index.

Taiwanese mills again leaned towards securing Japanese-origin scrap which was available at a short delivery time, and also acted to mitigate the effects of the strengthening US dollar.

The ongoing strike issues at US west coast ports are also serving to put off buyers from securing US material, with delivery periods largely unpredictable at present.

(This article is compiled by Vibin Antony on behalf of Scrap Register. Send in your suggestions and comments to editor@scrapregister.com)