Improving demand and lower supply will help palladium and rhodium swing back into deficit this year and reduce platinum’s surplus, consultants Metals Focus said on Monday. The three precious metals are used by automakers in engine exhaust systems, where they neutralize harmful emissions. Platinum is also used in other industries and for jewelry and investment. Demand from auto makers, which are beginning to overcome a shortage of semiconductors that forced them to cut production, will lift demand for all three metals, Metals Focus said. (full story)