Copper markets have had accelerated increases on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Comex. Contributing factors include the decline of the U.S. dollar, the rise of the Chinese Yuan, and an improving world economy. Copper buyers can anticipate continued volatility as increases continue. Market uncertainties will temper the impact of any year end market readjustments, which often occur.

In mid-October, copper reached a new high on the LME after increasing optimism about China’s economic outlook.  Price drivers include a surge of China copper imports in September along with a prediction for 7.0 percent economic growth in the second half of the year. Also, the government clampdown on air smog activated suspicions of a possible winter shortage.


