China is pressing Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE ADR: RTP) hard for a sharp reduction in the prices the company charges for its iron ore. But mining companies like Rio, who have had their bottom lines eviscerated by a slump in commodities prices, may have a hard time acquiescing.

The fate of the global equity market rally now comes down to China. Will it continue to stockpile hard assets? Will the data points continue to soothe and impress? Much is at stake either way…  

Yesterday Brazil’s central bank cut its benchmark interest rate from 13.75% to 12.75%, its first rate cut in 16 months and a move to guard the country’s economy from the global financial crisis.

The brutal market sell-off in emerging markets has led many to doubt their importance in the global economy. But Horacio Marquez says the ‘right’ countries in Latin America will thrive in the New Year. Top of the class is Brazil, but Horacio also sees good opportunities in Chile and Mexico.

MSCI world equity index up 0.7 pct at 224.39… Euro rallies on doubts over deep rate cuts… Oil jumps 5 pct; government bonds fall

Almost everything we use in modern society contains large amounts of raw materials. And they can’t be mined fast enough to keep pace with demand, especially from emerging markets. Lundin Mining Corp. (NYSE:LMC) is a strong Canadian mining company, with no debt and world-class assets. And it is a steal at today’s beaten down prices.

Not too long ago it seemed that everybody loved China.  It was a panacea, a magic bullet, the answer to every question. How can the US avoid recession? China. Why are the stock markets racing higher? China. Why is oil over $140 a barrel? China. You may have noticed that all this cheerleading has gone very quiet, very quickly.

SO the SPOT GOLD PRICE sank in October, dropping right back to 13-month lows at $683 an ounce. After failing to breach $930, this collapse marked the third step lower from March’s all-time high of $1,032. And from a technical perspective, the Gold Chart looks horrible – recording lower lows and lower highs for the last six months and more.

The commodity “supercycle” isn’t dead, says Justice Litle. Global demand has flat-lined for now, but the fundamental story of emerging market growth has not changed. And low prices are forcing many mines to shut down operations. This means that when demand recovers, it will do so faster than new supplies can reach the market. And that’s when gold will soar past $1,200 an ounce.

Currency expert Jack Crooks says South Africa risks becoming the most notorious failed state in the troubled continent. Falling commodity prices are hurting the mining industry. And social tensions continue to destabilize the political climate. Jack says the rand is hugely overvalued right now, making it a “currency crisis in the making”.