Core Viewpoint - The London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices experienced fluctuations due to fund selling, with a closing increase observed before the upcoming speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell [1][4]. Group 1: Copper Market - On August 20, LME three-month copper rose by $28.5, or 0.29%, closing at $9,720.5 per ton, after hitting a low of $9,670.50, the lowest since August 7 [1][2]. - Concerns over demand have led to spot copper trading at a discount of nearly $100 per ton compared to three-month copper, marking the deepest discount since February [4]. Group 2: Other Base Metals - Three-month aluminum prices closed at $2,576.5 per ton, up $13 or 0.51%, after earlier touching a two-week low of $2,558 per ton [2][4]. - The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) reported that global primary aluminum production in July was 6.373 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 2.5%, with a daily average production of 205,600 tons [4].

Group 1 - LME copper prices fell by $40.5, or 0.41%, closing at $9,733.0 per ton on August 18, influenced by a stronger dollar and uncertainty surrounding key events in the U.S. [1] - The three-month aluminum price decreased by $18.5, or 0.71%, closing at $2,588.5 per ton, while zinc and lead also saw declines of 0.64% and 0.53% respectively [2][6] - The only metal to see an increase was tin, which rose by $8, or 0.02%, closing at $33,702 per ton, supported by low inventory levels [6] Group 2 - ING commodity strategist Ewa Manthey noted that the market is cautious ahead of the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, as well as the upcoming Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole meeting [4] - The U.S. has expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum, which officially took effect on August 18, impacting various products and potentially affecting metal prices [6] - Peru's copper production increased by 7.1% year-on-year in June, reaching 228,932 tons, indicating a positive trend in copper supply [5]

Group 1 - LME copper prices declined due to a stronger US dollar and investor caution regarding tariffs, the Russia-Ukraine situation, and US interest rates [1][4] - On August 14, LME three-month copper fell by $37, or 0.38%, closing at $9,766.00 per ton [1][2] - The strong dollar, influenced by high US producer price inflation, makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for buyers using other currencies [4] Group 2 - Other base metals showed mixed performance, with three-month aluminum up by $3.50 (0.13%), zinc up by $19.50 (0.69%), and lead up by $1.50 (0.08%), while tin and nickel saw declines [2] - Market analysts are closely watching upcoming events, including the Jackson Hole meeting and the FOMC's release of July meeting minutes, for potential market-moving information [4] - There is potential for market upside, but a triggering factor is needed to break the current trading range of $9,500 to $9,900 [4]

Group 1 - LME copper prices rose to a two-week high due to easing trade concerns and a decline in the US dollar following inflation data, closing at $9,840.5 per ton, up $109 or 1.12% [1] - LME copper touched a peak of $9,855 per ton, the highest level since July 28 [1] - The increase in LME copper inventory by over 70% since the end of June, reaching 155,000 tons, has put pressure on copper prices and alleviated supply concerns [3] Group 2 - The US and China agreed to suspend the implementation of 24% tariffs on each other's goods for 90 days starting August 12, which may positively impact market sentiment [3] - The US consumer prices showed a moderate increase, enhancing expectations for a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, which could stimulate demand for dollar-denominated metals [3] - LME spot copper has widened its discount to three-month copper to $84 per ton, the largest since February [3]

Group 1 - LME copper prices rose to a one-week high, closing at $9,778.50 per ton, up $112.00 or 1.16% due to increased investor risk appetite and bargain buying [1][2] - Other base metals also saw price increases, with three-month aluminum up 2.00% to $2,629.50, zinc up 2.98% to $2,818.50, and lead up 1.88% to $2,010.00 [2] - BHP Group reported a slight increase in copper production for the fourth quarter, reaching 516,200 tons, up 2.25% year-on-year, and an annual copper production of 2,016,700 tons, an 8% increase from the previous fiscal year [4] Group 2 - Analysts noted that U.S. economic data has improved, boosting hopes for better copper demand and reducing the likelihood of immediate interest rate cuts [4] - LME copper inventories have been rising, particularly in Asian warehouses, as some traders bet on increased buying following recent price declines, though uncertainty remains about whether this will materialize [4] - Peru's copper production fell by 4.6% year-on-year in May, totaling 220,849 tons, highlighting challenges in one of the world's largest copper-producing countries [5] Group 3 - Nickel prices underperformed due to rising inventories and weak demand, with Commerzbank lowering its nickel price forecast for the end of 2025 from $18,000 to $16,000 per ton [6] - Three-month aluminum reached a three-week high of $2,637 per ton, reflecting positive market sentiment [7]

Group 1 - LME copper prices experienced a slight increase due to strong industrial production data from China, offsetting the impact of rising available inventory and a stronger dollar [1] - As of July 15, LME three-month copper closed at $9,645.50 per ton, up $26.50 or 0.28%, but has declined over 2% since the beginning of the month [1][2] - The copper price has retreated from a three-month high of $10,020 per ton reached in early July [1] Group 2 - Commodity Market Analytics predicts that copper prices may fall to around $9,585 per ton in the short term [3] - Goldman Sachs has lowered its August LME copper price forecast from $10,050 per ton to $9,550 per ton, while maintaining long-term forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 at $9,700, $10,000, and $10,750 per ton respectively [5] - The announcement of a 50% tariff on copper imports by the U.S. has made exports to the U.S. less attractive for other countries, leading to a decrease in LME canceled warrants to 11% of total inventory, the lowest level in five months [4] Group 3 - Recent data from China's National Bureau of Statistics indicates that the production of primary aluminum in June 2025 was 3.81 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 3.4%, with a cumulative production of 22.38 million tons in the first half of the year, up 3.3% [5] - In June 2025, the production of ten non-ferrous metals in China reached 6.95 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 4.4%, with a cumulative production of 40.32 million tons in the first half of the year, up 2.9% [5]

Group 1 - LME copper prices reached a three-month high, testing the $10,000 per ton mark, closing at $9,934.00, up $65.00 or 0.66% [1][2][3] - The manufacturing PMI in China rose to 49.7% in June, indicating a slight improvement in economic conditions, supported by policies in exports, consumption, and infrastructure [3][4] - The overall supply of copper remains tight, with LME registered warehouse stocks down 66% since mid-February, contributing to strong demand and a premium in the spot market [4] Group 2 - The US manufacturing sector continues to show weakness, with the ISM manufacturing PMI at 49.0, indicating contraction for the fourth consecutive month [4][5] - The Federal Reserve's Chairman Powell indicated a cautious approach to interest rate cuts, suggesting potential action later in the year [5] - Other base metals showed mixed performance, with aluminum slightly up by $1.00 or 0.04%, while zinc, lead, nickel, and tin experienced declines [6][7][8][9][10]

Group 1: Copper Market Overview - On May 27, LME copper prices fell due to a strong dollar and uncertainty regarding U.S. tariffs, with prices reaching a two-week high earlier in the session [1] - LME three-month copper closed down $13.50 or 0.14% at $9,596.5 per ton, after hitting a peak of $9,640 since May 14 [1] - U.S. Comex copper dropped 2% to $4.74 per pound, with a premium over LME copper reaching $855 per ton [4] Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Ivanhoe Mines announced a suspension of its production forecast due to seismic activity at its giant mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is Africa's largest copper producer [6] - Morgan Stanley analysts indicated that if the Kakula mine remains closed for the rest of the year, it could lead to a supply reduction of approximately 150,000 tons, potentially increasing copper prices [6] - The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) reported a global refined copper market surplus of 17,000 tons in March, down from an 18,000-ton surplus in February [7] Group 3: Economic Indicators - China's National Bureau of Statistics reported that from January to April, profits of large industrial enterprises in China totaled 21,170.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.4% [6] - In April, profits of large industrial enterprises in China grew by 3.0% year-on-year [6] - ICSG noted that the global refined copper market had a surplus of 289,000 tons in the first three months of the year, compared to a surplus of 268,000 tons in the same period last year [8]