Copper holds above $14,000 as weak dollar offsets rise in LME inventory

Copper maintained its price above the $14,000 mark per metric ton on Thursday, despite a slight decline, as a weak US dollar and increased LME inventory helped alleviate supply concerns. The benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) closed at $14,043.5 a ton, down 0.04% by 0300 GMT. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most-traded copper contract rose by 0.15% to 107,140 yuan ($15,934.20) a ton.

LME copper stocks rose by 12,425 tons on Wednesday, signaling a relief in supply worries due to anticipated US tariff introduction. Total LME copper stocks increased to 235,975 tons, marking an 11% rise from the previous week, although still 40% lower than three months ago. Meanwhile, the US dollar weakened, nearing its lowest point in three months, as US Treasury measures aimed at stabilizing the bond market were received positively.

The dollar's decline typically benefits dollar-denominated commodities, making them more affordable for buyers using other currencies. Copper rebounded from a two-week low on Wednesday due to the softer US currency. Aluminum prices dropped after a report that a still-negotiated trade deal would reduce the United States' top-line tariff rates on Canadian aluminum imports from 35% to 25%.

Aluminum decreased by 0.65% on the LME and 0.7% on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Among LME metals, zinc, lead, nickel, and tin also experienced declines, while among SHFE metals, zinc dipped slightly, while lead, nickel, and tin increased.