Core Viewpoint - The London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices stabilized after reaching a five-month high, driven by expectations of a potential interest rate cut in the U.S. later this month and a weakening dollar [1][4]. Price Summary - LME three-month copper closed at $9,975.50, down $5 or 0.05% [2]. - LME three-month aluminum remained unchanged at $2,619.00 [5]. - LME three-month zinc decreased by $4, or 0.14%, to $2,861.00 [6]. - LME three-month lead increased by $1.50, or 0.08%, to $1,995.50 [7]. - LME three-month nickel rose by $72, or 0.47%, to $15,304.00 [8]. - LME three-month tin fell by $71, or 0.20%, to $34,662.00 [9]. Market Analysis - The copper market experienced a technical glitch that delayed electronic trading by 90 minutes, with prices initially touching $10,038, the highest since March 26 [4]. - ING's commodity strategist Ewa Manthey anticipates that upcoming U.S. employment data will indicate a weakening labor market, reinforcing the case for a rate cut [4]. - Despite the potential for lower interest rates improving the outlook for metals, concerns about economic growth due to broad import tariffs in the U.S. continue to pressure industrial metal market sentiment [4]. - The U.S. dollar index fell by 0.3%, making dollar-denominated metals more attractive to buyers holding other currencies, with surveys indicating a weaker dollar in the coming months [4].