Latest News

Copper hits 1-week peak as US rate-cut hopes enhance risk appetite

Copper prices increased to a oneweek high on Friday as weakerthanexpected U.S. retail sales information revived expect an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve in June and raised danger sentiment among financiers.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.4% at $8,344 a metric heap, as of 0248 GMT, striking its greatest because Feb. 8. The contract is up more than 2% up until now this week.

Information on Thursday revealed U.S. retail sales fell more than anticipated in January, pulled down by declines in invoices at automobile car dealerships and fuel service stations.

The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against 6 significant competitors, was up 0.09% at 104.35, having actually slipped 0.4% on Thursday after a combined set of U.S. financial information.

A weaker U.S. currency makes dollar-priced metals less expensive for holders of other currencies.

According to the CME Fed Watch Tool, traders now see a 78%. chance of a rate cut in June.

In the broader financial market, Japan's Nikkei charged. towards an all-time high on Friday, helped by a resilient Wall. Street.

Copper, widely used in power and building and construction, is down more. than 3% this month on issues about demand from leading customer. China and its residential or commercial property sector in particular, though activity is. muted this week as China commemorates the Lunar New Year.

Among other metals, LME aluminium was constant at. $ 2,224 a ton, nickel edged 0.1% greater to $16,280, zinc. gained 0.2% to $2,360 and lead rose 0.3% to. $ 2,048.50. Tin ticked 0.2% higher to $27,355.

For the leading stories in metals and other news, click. or

(source: Reuters)