Global financial markets are witnessing a historic surge today, Wednesday, 14 January 2026, as both European and Asian equity indices hit all-time highs. Simultaneously, a relentless rally in industrial and precious metals is fueling talk of a new commodities “super-cycle,” driven by supply constraints and the accelerating global energy transition.
Investors are piling into stocks amid cooling inflation data and a renewed appetite for risk.
In Europe, the STOXX 600 and the DAX 40 reached fresh peaks this morning, buoyed by strong earnings in the luxury and aerospace sectors. Analysts suggest that European markets are benefiting from a “valuation catch-up” after trailing US markets throughout 2025.
While in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged past previous resistance levels to a new record high, supported by a weakening yen and corporate governance reforms. In China, the CSI 300 showed resilience as government stimulus measures for the tech sector began to take effect.
The MSCI All-Country World Index, the broadest gauge of global stocks, is currently trading at its highest level in history.
The metals market is stealng the headlines as prices for copper, gold, and lithium continue their parabolic climb.
| Metal | Current Trend | Driver |
| Gold | New Peak | Safe-haven demand and central bank accumulation. |
| Copper | Supply Deficit | Critical shortages in Chilean mines and surging EV demand. |
| Lithium | Strategic Asset | Supply squeeze as Nigeria and other nations tighten export laws. |
| Rare Earths | High Demand | Tensions over Arctic mining rights (Greenland) fueling price spikes. |
For Nigeria, the global surge in metal prices is not just foreign news, it is a significant domestic opportunity.
As global lithium prices skyrocket, the Federal Government’s recent push for local processing (including the $600m Jiuling plant) is being viewed as a masterstroke. Refined lithium is now fetching a premium on the global market, promising a major boost to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.
With gold hitting record highs, the Lagos Gold Refinery’s mission to supply the CBN with LBMA-standard bullion has become even more critical for shoring up the value of the Naira.
On the flip side, the rising cost of industrial metals like copper and aluminum is expected to increase the price of imported electronics and infrastructure materials in Lagos and other major cities.
Market strategists describe the current environment as a “perfect storm” of high liquidity and low supply.
“We are seeing a decoupling of traditional market rules. Even with high interest rates, the sheer demand for raw materials to power the global ‘Green Revolution’ is overriding the usual drag on growth. If you aren’t in metals or tech right now, you are missing the biggest move of the decade.” – Global Investment Strategist.
