LONDON: Copper prices rose to their highest in almost a month on Wednesday on growing expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in December and that prices will rise further after outflows to U.S. stocks.
Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 1.6% at $10,993.50 a metric ton by 1033 GMT after hitting $11,025 for its highest since October 30. The metal used in power and construction hit a record high of $11,200 on October 29, boosted by worries over tighter copper supply from the Grasberg mine in Indonesia this year and next.
“Upside risks for copper are rising, with the balance tightening into 2026 amid supply challenges, low inventories and ongoing trade distortions,” said ING commodities strategist Ewa Manthey.
The market found fresh support from data on Tuesday showing that U.S. retail sales rose less than expected and consumer confidence weakened, firming expectations that the Fed will cut rates soon. Lower interest rates support demand prospects for growth-dependent metals.
The global copper cathode market faces a surplus of between 350,000 tons and 400,000 tons this year, but there is a deficit of 500,000 tons of copper concentrate that will continue next year, said Nicholas Snowdon.
Snowdon, a high-profile copper bull, said that LME copper prices would need to rise to pull metal back to global markets from the United States, which now holds 70% of global copper cathode inventory. That could rise to 90% in the first quarter of 2026, Snowdon estimates.
Copper stocks in the LME-registered warehouses are down 42% this year after outflows to Comex copper stocks.
Among other LME metals, aluminium rose 1.6% to $2,845.50 a ton, zinc added 1% to $3,022.50, lead gained 0.3% to $1,986, tin was up 0.8% at $37,735 and nickel was steady at $14,870.
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