Coal—‘least loved commodity’—appreciates 188%, the best performer since last Diwali

MUMBAI: The best returns between last Diwali and this year were generated by a commodity that is commonly described as ‘least loved’ because of its association with climate change. Prices of Australian coal in the last 12 months have increased 188% —almost twice the appreciation of Brent crude, which is under focus for its 95% rise.
While coal and crude were the best performers in the last 12 months, the worst performers, ironically, were gold and silver, which dipped 4.7% and 2.9% after rising amid the flight-to-safety following the pandemic-induced economic crisis last year, according to an analysis by Care Ratings. Coal has seen demand firing up even as the world is trying to arrive at a consensus on net-zero emissions.