Masters Theses

Author

Kon-Hock Khaw

Abstract

"A number of complex factors influence the fluctuation of the price of a metal. In this investigation, the writer is concerned with the influence of the purchasing power of the dollar and, therefore the difference between the value (real price) and market price of nine metals. That is, this is a study of metal prices and their corresponding values. No attempt is made to analyze the supply and demand of the past or the future, except as they are expressed by their function -- price.

To aid in the comparison, a set of index numbers for metals is compiled and a comparison is made with the index numbers of metals, and of wholesale prices, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In addition, a series of graphs comparing the market price and value of the metals are made.

Price data on metals, as published in the Engineering and Mining Journal, Iron Age, American Bureau of Metal Statistics' Yearbook, are not consolidated nor available in a single volume. The Metal Statistics Handbook is the only source that contains the average monthly and yearly prices of metals covering a period of ten to fifteen years. The prices quoted in these publications are market prices and do not indicate relative worth. The value of the dollar is changing constantly, and it is of interest and advantage to know, especially during the planning stage of a mine, the trend of the value (real price) of the metal under consideration. Many mine operators study market price of metals to guide them in mine planning and to formulate development policies. A compilation of prices and values for nine common metals: Pig Iron (composite), Copper, Lead, Zinc, Aluminum, Magnesium, Tin, Antimony, and Mercury has been made. This investigation covers a period of fifty years. A comparison of values based on a representative period should serve as another valuable tool for the engineer and management"--Introduction, pages 1-2.

Advisor(s)

Forrester, James Donald, 1906-1979

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mining Engineering

Publisher

Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy

Publication Date

1952

Pagination

v, 112 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 110-111).

Rights

© 1952 Kon-Hock Khaw, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Metals -- Prices -- Mathematical models

Thesis Number

T 1008

Print OCLC #

5149461

Electronic OCLC #

925474549

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