Iron ore prices are likely to hold up at around current levels in 1Q13, but a moderating trend is more likely later this year.

Home sales reverted to a downward trend in the seven days to 20 January but YoY growth continues to expand. This suggests that the seasonal slowdown in purchasing is less severe this year than in the past.

China Confidential’s MoM Freight Volume Index, compiled from a the survey of 217 logistics companies across the country, jumped to 62.2 in January 2013, up from 49.0 in December 2012, helped somewhat by the approach of Chinese New Year and by strong shipments of major cargoes such as industrial materials and energy products. China Confidential’s YoY Freight Volume Index also reached 47.0, the highest in 18 months.

Average daily transactions in 42 Chinese cities monitored by China Confidential rose 33% WoW in the seven days to 13 January. This was a surprising rise in what is historically a weak period for transactions and may be difficult to sustain in coming weeks.

Home transactions slowed in the 42 Chinese cities monitored by China Confidential in the first six days of January but expanded compared with the same period in 2012. This suggests that sales are holding up better than usual in the seasonally-soft period prior to the Chinese New Year holiday.

As the real estate market turns from bust to boom, fears are mounting that further tightening measures may be introduced.

Energy industry experts assess the implications of a series of reforms to China’s coal industry

Controversial plans to levy a tax on express delivery companies could have a negative impact on China’s fast-growing logistics and online retail sectors