A couple of years ago miners would have done anything for higher prices. Now prices are rising again—but for the things miners are buying, not selling. Australian giant Rio Tinto on Wednesday reported a 33% jump in first-half earnings compared with the same period of 2017, a chunky dividend increase, and a new $1 billion share buyback. Under the strong headline numbers, however, some warning signs are flashing. The shares were down 4% in morning trading in London.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 01, 2018 10:16 UTC