Chinese benchmark iron ore futures closed lower on Tuesday, reversing course from gains close to 5% at the start of the session as investors continue to worry about policy uncertainties due to government intervention.
The most active iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange for May delivery fell 0.1 percent to 685 yuan ($108.04) per ton. During the session, they rose as much as 4.9% a ton earlier, to 719 yuan.
"Iron ore is now caught between two opposing policies in China," Commonwealth Bank of Australia commodities analyst Vivek Dhar said in a note.
“Policy makers are keen to contain inflation due to high iron ore prices. "Given their belief that non-market forces such as speculation play a role, their determination to keep iron ore prices in check is particularly strong."
On the other hand, margins at steel mills are good as officials aim to boost economic growth, which supports iron ore prices, according to the memo.
On Monday, the country's four largest banks cut mortgage rates in the city of Guangzhou by 20 basis points in a new move to support the real estate sector, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Meanwhile, China's finance minister has pledged to implement larger cuts in taxes and fees this year and strengthen coordination between fiscal and monetary policy.
According to data compiled by SteelHome consultancy, spot iron ore prices with 62% iron content for delivery to China rose from $6 to $140 per ton on Monday, compared to the previous session.
Dalian coking coal futures rose 0.1% to 2,593 yuan per tonne, and coke prices DCJcv1 rose 0.5% to 3,357 yuan per tonne.
Steel rebar and hot rolled coils on the Shanghai Futures Exchange both fell in pursuit of iron ore. When the market closed, they were down 1.1% to 4,734 yuan per tonne and 1.3% to 4,850 yuan per tonne, respectively.
Shanghai stainless steel futures for April delivery rose 0.7 percent to yuan 18,785 per tonne.
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