The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that Raymond James analyst Steve Hansen has reaffirmed his "market perform" call on Methanex. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Hansen trimmed his share target by $2 to $58 (all figures U.S.). Analysts on average target the shares at $56. Mr. Hansen says in a note: "Global methanol markets have weakened over the past several months, drawing weight from several factors, including tightening monetary policy, acute Chinese lockdowns, and increasing economic concerns. Specifically, we note that global spot prices have slipped 27 per cent on average from their fly-up highs last fall, and 19 per cent on average from their temporary surge this spring following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war. As noted in our weekly Dashboards, the direct supply-side impact of the Russian conflict have been modest, and Middle East production has continued at pace. Coupled with demand-side pullback on Chinese lockdowns, the net results has been a build in inventories, now perched at 18 month highs. Despite this weight on spot markets, posted contract prices have remained very firm." Mr. Hansen describes oil and methanol as "volatile partners."