What is Metal Bulletin’s Iron ore Index?

MB’s iron ore index is an accurate representation of the seaborne merchant market for sinter fines delivered to China. The index is based on actual transactions, which are reported to MB by any market participant who is conducting trades on a CFR China spot basis. MB is totally impartial, and seeks to report an open and transparent representation of the market. MB has no financial interest in the level or direction of the index.

Is my data secure?

Data supplied to Metal Bulletin is stored in a secure system, with strictly controlled and limited access. Data on trades is not accessible to other divisions of Metal Bulletin or Euromoney. Contributors will be able to submit data through a secure logon and link on the website, or via email to a dedicated email address. Metal Bulletin has created a confidentiality agreement document, which can be downloaded here, and which details the responsibilities and rights of both parties.

Will other market participants be able to work back to my data?

The only number that is published is the final calculated index, which is a composite index number from a population of normalized trade data. It is not possible back calculate data without already knowing the full data of every trade. In addition, the methodology utilizes three sub-indices, one for each group of physical market participants, which are then combined on an equal weighting. This further increases data security.

Who is the index for?

The index will be of interest to all market participants, both in the physical and financial markets.

Who can contribute to the index?

All physical market participants who are engaged in the CFR China port iron ore spot market are encouraged to participate. Material of all origin will be accepted, and included in the calculation, provided it meets the chemical, physical, and delivery specifications outlined in the methodology.

Why use three sub-indices?

This will prevent any bias between the different market participant groups, which may occur due to the timing of data reporting etc.

Who do I contact if I have a question about my free trial?

If you have any questions regarding your free trial please contact us using the details below:

For enquiries about Metal Bulletin’s Iron Ore Index, methodologies, accuracy and data please email Cameron Hunt.

For marketing and subscription enquiries please email Junaid Khawaja

For advertising and sales opportunities please email Stefano Di Nardo or call +44 (0) 20 7827 5220.