Latest News

Copper prices boosted by US-China Trade truce Extension

The copper price rose on Tuesday, as the relief of the United States and China extending their tariff truce dominated the mood. A lower dollar was also a positive factor after the release by the U.S. government of inflation data.

At 1307 GMT, the benchmark copper price on London Metal Exchange had risen by 0.7% to $9,800 per metric tonne. The summer slump has caused low volumes, according to traders.

The extension of the 90-day tariff truce by two of the largest economies in the world has reduced concerns about trade friction, and it is expected to boost demand before the seasonal autumn surge of goods like electronics.

The moderate increase in U.S. Consumer Prices reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates by next month. This could weaken the U.S. dollar and boost demand for metals priced in dollars.

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence stated in a report that "focus will remain on U.S. economic releases with special attention to any signs of weakness after the recent sharp down revision to employment numbers."

Stocks in LME-approved storage facilities are increasing, putting pressure on copper prices The increase in, at 155,000 metric tonnes, is more than 70% from late June.

The LME has also seen a reduction in concerns about copper supply. This has led to a wider discount between the LME Cash Copper Contract and the Three-Month Forward. To $84 per ton, the highest price since February.

Signs of weaker demand in China, the world's largest consumer, could also be a negative factor. The Yangshan Copper Premium The price of a ton of metal in China has dropped to $45 from $100 per ton back in May.

This week, a slew of data on house prices, industrial production, loans and investment will be released.

Lead was unchanged at $2 014, while tin was at $33,805 with nickel down 0.4% at $15,290 per ton. Aluminium rose 1.1% to $2 617. Zinc was up 1% to 2 850. Reporting by Pratima Dasai, Amy Lv, and Lewis Jackson. Mark Potter edited the article.

(source: Reuters)