Lead prices have enjoyed a steady increase these past few months, but analysts at Wood Mackenzie expect it to soften by 2020. SEE MORE With the US leaning into its trade dispute with China, uncertainty in the rare earths market, coupled with an overreliance on the Asian nation for production, has spurred the Australian government to wedge itself into the sector and make itself valuable to global trading partners. SEE MORE Oil prices pulled back from their highest levels in nearly two months on Friday amid lingering doubts on whether the United States and China will be able to reach a partial trade deal that would lift some pressure on the global economy. SEE MORE Gold prices steadied on Friday in Asia as traders awaited more trade news. SEE MORE A Chinese national who worked for Monsanto before it was purchased by Bayer AG was charged in St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday with stealing trade secrets for China, the U.S. Justice Department said. SEE MORE