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Copper prices rise as Fed raises interest rates clears the uncertainty

Prices of copper rose on Monday as the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates last week, removing months-long uncertainty about rates. Meanwhile, optimism remained over strong China demand.

Benchmark three-month Copper on the?London Metal Exchange rose 0.06% to $14,530.5 per metric tonne by 0300 GMT. The price had hit $14,600.50 per ton earlier, its highest level since September 10 when it reached a high of $14,875. The most traded copper contract at the Shanghai Futures Exchange? edged up 0.37% to 109.940 yuan (16,419.49 dollars) per ton.

Analysts from Chinese broker Everbright Futures stated in a Monday note that the Fed's hike had removed the largest?near term uncertainty? in the copper markets, but extreme mine-side shortages and ultra-low Chinese?inventory levels still formed a base.

Copper, a commodity that is dependent on growth to grow, can be negatively affected by higher?interest rates.

Prices are supported by strong demand from China. Yangshan copper Last week, the price of copper in China, which is a measure of demand, reached $124 per ton. This was its highest level in almost four years.

Everbright Futures analysts also cited the expectation of inventory replenishment in advance of National Day next week as a price support.

Oil prices fell to their lowest level in more than a week even after US and Iran exchanged threats on Sunday, amid a deadlock. US President Donald Trump has said that he is open to meeting Masoud Pezeshkian who will be in New York this week. Copper prices have been affected by the war, which has threatened to slow down global economic growth.

Aluminium fell 0.27% on the LME, while zinc rose 0.52%. Lead gained 0.21% and nickel gained 0.64%. Tin ticked up 0.05%.

Aluminium lost 0.57% on the SHFE. Zinc gained 0.7%. Lead gained 0.61%. Nickel dipped by 0.1%. Tin gained 0.88%.

(source: Reuters)