In global trade news, the US and Japan have a trade deal and, with it, Japan has committed to identify and invest in projects to mine and refine rare earths, minerals and other metals. Not coincidentally, the U.S.-Japan agreement signed Tuesday comes just days before President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi in South Korea on Thursday.
Looking at the markets, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange reached a record high earlier today on the back of concerns over supply after a series of disruptions at major mines and weaker forecasts from producers.
And here in Washington, optimism on the Hill that federal permitting reform could happen. Top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said discussions are "pretty constant right now" and he's eyeing the end of the year to release a framework.
