Copper Rises as Market Sentiment Improves

2026-05-25 04:00 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

Copper futures climbed to around $6.4 per pound on Monday, reaching their highest level in more than a week as investor sentiment strengthened on signs that the US and Iran were moving closer to a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over inflation and further interest rate hikes.

Still, President Trump said Washington would maintain its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz until a formal agreement is finalized, adding that he would not “rush” into a deal.

Copper prices also continued to draw support from the strong rally in AI-related technology stocks since the beginning of May, reinforcing expectations for higher demand tied to electrification and wiring needs in data centers.

Additional support came from the global transition toward clean energy, which is expected to sustain long-term copper demand.

At the same time, supply concerns linked to the Middle East conflict, particularly shortages of sulfur used in copper smelting, continued to underpin prices.



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Copper Rises as Market Sentiment Improves
Copper futures climbed to around $6.4 per pound on Monday, reaching their highest level in more than a week as investor sentiment strengthened on signs that the US and Iran were moving closer to a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over inflation and further interest rate hikes. Still, President Trump said Washington would maintain its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz until a formal agreement is finalized, adding that he would not “rush” into a deal. Copper prices also continued to draw support from the strong rally in AI-related technology stocks since the beginning of May, reinforcing expectations for higher demand tied to electrification and wiring needs in data centers. Additional support came from the global transition toward clean energy, which is expected to sustain long-term copper demand. At the same time, supply concerns linked to the Middle East conflict, particularly shortages of sulfur used in copper smelting, continued to underpin prices.
2026-05-25
Copper Holds Retreat from Record High
Copper futures were at $6.2 per pound, sustaining the pullback from the record high of $6.65 on May 13th as skepticism over a peace agreement in the Middle East maintained energy prices elevated, squeezing demand for manufacturing inputs. Energy prices regained traction as momentary optimism over an agreement between the US and Iran waned, pressuring industrial metals. Still, prices drew support from a rally in artificial intelligence-related technology stocks since the start of May, which strengthened expectations for demand tied to electrification wiring in data centers. Meanwhile, supply from Codelco risked a pullback as the company is targeting roughly $2 billion in cost reductions and additional revenue through the integration of operations across three copper mines, as the company seeks to counter the effects of stagnant production and rising debt levels.
2026-05-21
Copper Strengthens as Risk Appetite Returns
Copper futures traded around $6.28 per pound on Thursday after rising 2% in the previous session, supported by improving global risk appetite amid renewed optimism over a potential peace agreement between the US and Iran. President Trump said the US was in the final stages of negotiations with Iran, fueling hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could soon reopen. The prospect of restored shipping flows triggered a sharp decline in oil prices, helping ease inflationary pressures and reducing concerns about further interest rate hikes. Copper prices also drew support from a rally in artificial intelligence-related technology stocks, which strengthened expectations for demand tied to data infrastructure development. In corporate news, Codelco is targeting roughly $2 billion in cost reductions and additional revenue through the integration of operations across three copper mines, as the company seeks to counter the effects of stagnant production and rising debt levels.
2026-05-21