Platinum Rises in New York on Weaker Dollar, South African Supply Concerns

(Bloomberg) -- Platinum extended a rally in New
York, heading for its third straight weekly gain, as the
declining value of the U.S. dollar boosted investment demand
and supply concerns strengthened. Palladium also rose.

A weaker dollar boosts the precious metals' appeal as
alternative investments. Platinum has climbed 18 percent this
year while the dollar is down 4.5 percent against the euro.
Platinum rose for a third day amid delivery delays from Lonmin
Plc, and labor disputes at Aquarius Platinum Ltd., Northam
Platinum Ltd. and Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd.


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Platinum Futures Rise on Concern of South African Strike; Palladium Gains

(Bloomberg) -- Platinum rose in New York on concern
workers at Johannesburg-based Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd., the
world's second-largest producer of the metal, may strike after
rejecting an increased pay offer. Palladium also gained.

South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers said an Impala
pay offer yesterday was insufficient. Workers want an average
15 percent increase, while the company is offering 7.5 percent to
9 percent pay raises, the union said. Impala ``is not making
substantive moves,'' said Eddie Majadibodu, a union negotiator.


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Platinum, Palladium Decline in New York on Dollar's Rally, Interest Rates

(Bloomberg) -- Platinum fell the most in three
weeks in New York as the dollar strengthened, reducing the
appeal of metals as alternative investments to stocks and bonds.
Palladium also dropped.

The dollar rose for the sixth straight day against the euro
and gained versus the yen after a government report showed U.S.
retail sales increased more than economists had forecast.
Precious metals are traded in dollars and often move in the
opposite direction of the U.S. currency.


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Platinum Rises on Possible Strike in South Africa; Palladium Also Advances

(Bloomberg) -- Platinum rose the most this month in
New York, rebounding from last week's decline on speculation
miners may go on strike in South Africa, supplier of almost
80 percent of the metal. Palladium also gained.

Wage talks are in their fourth week since Anglo Platinum
Ltd., the world's largest producer, offered a 5 percent raise.
Workers want a 15 percent increase.


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Platinum Declines in London as Industrial Demand May Slow; Palladium Drops

(Bloomberg) -- Platinum fell on speculation slowing
industrial demand will exacerbate a surplus of the precious
metal. Palladium also declined.

Demand for the metal in electronics, car-exhaust systems and
other industrial uses usually slows in summer in the Northern
Hemisphere, said Rory McVeigh, senior platinum trader at
Commerzbank AG in Luxembourg. Supply exceeded demand last year
for the first time since 1998, London-based manufacturer Johnson
Matthey Plc said last month.


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