Copper rebounds on firmer risk sentiment and tight supply in China

London: Copper prices rebounded on Monday as risk sentiment improved and China's supply remained restricted, despite the dollar weakening. Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange climbed 0.7% to $13,869 per metric ton, reversing its 2.7% weekly decline last week, which marked its steepest drop since March. While global markets showed slight gains after hitting six-month lows, investor sentiment remained cautious.

ING commodities strategist Ewa Manthey noted that the recovery was driven by stabilising risk appetite and heightened attention on China's tight physical copper supply. The Yangshan copper premium, indicating demand for imported copper in China, hit a record $230 per ton on Monday. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most-traded copper contract increased 0.5% to 107,430 yuan ($16,096.31) per ton.

However, the gains might be short-lived, as Manthey warned that prices could face further declines if market sentiment worsens. Democrats' victory in US midterm elections raised concerns about potential US restrictions on data centers and the impact of Trump's planned tariffs on refined copper, which could harm AI-related demand and stockpiling that supported prices.

Citi Bank revised its three-month copper price forecast downward to $13,300 a ton from $14,500, citing weakening AI sentiment and reduced risk appetite. Among other metals, aluminium fell 0.4% to $3,049 a ton, zinc declined 0.4% to $3,698, lead slipped 0.1% to $1,884, and tin decreased 1% to $45,995, while nickel rose 0.1% to $16,370.