金属涨跌互现 期铜收升，受美国通胀数据提振【12月18日LME收盘】

Core Viewpoint - The London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices rose on December 18, but market direction remained unclear due to a stronger dollar offsetting the positive impact of lower-than-expected U.S. inflation data, leading traders to reduce their positions ahead of the Christmas holiday [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - LME three-month copper increased by $41, or 0.35%, closing at $11,778 per ton [2]. - Other base metals also saw price increases, with three-month aluminum up by $10.5 (0.36%) to $2,916 per ton, and three-month tin rising by $652 (1.54%) to $42,927 per ton [2][4]. - Trading volume was low, with approximately 14,300 contracts exchanged, below the 30-day average of nearly 22,000 contracts [3]. Group 2: Economic Indicators - The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November rose by 2.7% year-on-year, lower than the 3% increase in September, which positively influenced market sentiment [3]. - Copper is viewed as a barometer for global economic health, having increased by 34% year-to-date and reaching a record high of $11,952 per ton last week [3]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Analysts from Saxo Bank noted a lack of interest in new positions, with a potential for increased volatility as the year ends [3]. - Goldman Sachs projected that copper prices will outperform aluminum in 2026, with an average price forecast of $11,400 per ton [3].