One newsletter that I read regularly is The Kiplinger Letter.  The forecasts and observations are usually very good.  So, wasn't I surprised when I was reading a recent edition (November 25, 2009, to be exact) when I read their prediction that nickel prices will come down about 25% by September and then it said that this will "ease pricing pressure on appliance, machinery and fastener manufacturers".  Right there in Kiplinger folks!!  We are making it to the big time.

For the record, Kiplinger also predicts that copper with drop 25% by next fall and they say that aluminum with see a nearly 20% slide by fall.  The pattern holds for other metals too.  They claim lead will plunge 45% or so by September and tin by 20%.

They base these predictions on another prediction --that is that , early next year,  investors will lower their expectations for strong economic growth.  So, that premise....well it kind of sucks.  I think we all are hoping for growth to kick in again but I guess we cannot know when it will come.  2010???  Maybe more in 2011??  I'll be keeping my eyes open for any publications that talk about economic expectations for next year but, if there are any out there floating around, please let me know so I can track them down.