Copper Remains Volatile
Copper climbed back above $5.8 per pound on Friday after losing 3% in the previous session, as investors continued to grapple with heightened volatility in metals and broader financial markets. Thursday’s decline lacked a clear catalyst, though simultaneous losses in equities and cryptocurrencies point to forced liquidations, likely amplified by algorithmic trading. Attention is now turning to the upcoming US inflation report, which could shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Copper also faces pressure from anticipated weaker near-term demand in China, the world’s largest consumer, as economic activity slows ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. Nonetheless, ongoing supply disruptions and robust global demand, driven by the energy transition and continued expansion of AI-powered data centers, continue to underpin prices.