The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Sept. 20, edition that Raymond James analyst Steve Hansen has boosted Methanex to "outperform" from "market perform." The Globe's David Leeder writes that Mr. Hansen gave his share target a juicy $10 (U.S.) boost to $60 (U.S.). Analysts on average target the shares at $49.64 (U.S.). Mr. Hansen believes methanol prices are "lifting off" the bottom. He says Methanex shares have "solid value at current levels." Mr. Hansen says in a note: "Global methanol prices are now firmly on the rise, in our view, lifting off their multiyear lows in response to a bevy of demand-side forces. ... Global spot prices have risen 16 per cent off their June/July lows (global avg.), with the recovery led by China (up 21 per cent), but also extending to Europe (up 14 per cent) and North America (up 14 per cent). We see further gains ahead. Methanol's strongest seasonal period is also rapidly approaching (Oct. to Feb.), a window typically influenced by large supply outages as key governments (China, Iran) divert gas away from methanol production hubs to heat domestic homes. ... This corresponding loss of supply is a frequent contributor to outsized winter 'fly-up' events in methanol pricing."