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Copper rebounds as dollar dips

Copper rates in London rose on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar weakened after rallying on Monday, although issues about economic growth in top metals consumer China and unpredictability about trade tariffs capped gains.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.9% at $9,073.50 per metric ton by 1048 GMT after striking $ 9,104, its highest since Nov. 21.

Copper, utilized in power and construction, is down 10% in two months and has been selling a tight range since mid-November as the market awaits developments in President-elect Donald Trump's proposed import tariffs and possible retaliation from China.

Base metals have come under increasing negative pressure because Trump's success in the U.S. election, predominately due to U.S. dollar strength, in addition to growing issues over how deregulation and tariff execution will affect western rate cuts and geopolitical tensions, stated StoneX analyst Natalie Scott-Gray.

On Tuesday, China banned exports to the U.S. of items related to gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard products that have possible military applications, a day after Washington's latest crackdown on China's chip sector.

The dollar index fell on Tuesday, reflecting weakening that makes dollar-priced metals more attractive for buyers using other currencies.

The connection in between copper and the U.S. dollar movements has strengthened considerably since the U.S. election and is likely to continue into 2025, Scott-Gray stated.

In China, financiers are waiting for the Central Economic Work Conference expected this month for any signs of extra financial or financial stimulus after the nation's factory activity expanded decently in November. The yuan slipped to the lowest level vs the dollar in over a year on Tuesday.

LME aluminium rose 0.6% to $2,604.50 a lot, zinc added 0.3% to $3,084.50, tin was up 1.2% at $ 28,870, nickel gained 2.0% to $15,990, while lead fell 0.8% to $2,060.

(source: Reuters)