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Copper supported by supply shortages; demand concerns cap gains

Copper rates firmed on Wednesday, supported by ore supply scarcities and a soft U.S. dollar, but need concerns in top customer China topped even more gains.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 1.1% at $9,777 per metric lot by 0729 GMT, while the most-traded July copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange was 0.6% higher at 79,040 yuan ($ 10,891.85) a. ton.

Anglo American said on Tuesday copper output at its. Los Bronces mine in Chile is anticipated to fall almost a 3rd. from typical historical levels next year as the miner stops briefly a. processing plant for maintenance.

Shortages of mined copper have actually been a factor for a rate. rally this year, with record high rates dampening copper need. in China. Disappointing financial information this week has likewise added. to demand issues.

A fall in China's spot demand set off unusual large-scale. exports, pressing LME stockpiles greater, ANZ analysts said in a. note.

Copper stocks in LME warehouses increased to the highest level. given that January on Monday. << MCUSTX-TOTAL > Significant copper smelters

planned to export as much as 80,000 tons of. copper in June. Nevertheless, the actual volume might fall below. expectations provided current lower export revenues, according to the. Shanghai Metals Market.

Meanwhile, the dollar recovered some ground on Wednesday. after soft U.S. retail sales data enhanced bets of impending. Federal Reserve rate cuts.

A softer dollar makes it more affordable to buy the greenback-priced. product.

LME aluminium climbed up 0.8% to $2,505.50 a ton, zinc. innovative 0.9% to $2,864 and lead increased 2.1% to. $ 2,237.50, tin was 0.8% higher to $32,390, and nickel. included 0.5% to $17,385 a ton.

SHFE aluminium increased 0.4% to 20,475 yuan a load,. zinc acquired 1.6% to 23,835 yuan, and tin moved. 0.7% higher at 269,080 yuan, lead was up 3.2% at 19,485. yuan, nickel declined 1.3% to 133,920 yuan.

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(source: Reuters)