Copper Prices Soar Amid Physical Disruption and Gold Rally
Copper prices continue to rise due to tight physical supply and potential disruption. The London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouse stocks fell by 2,425t today to 212,125t, with another 3,375t of warrants cancelled.
Indonesia's smelter disruption, including the Myanma Gresik smelter being down for several weeks and Manyar smelter due to restart in September, is also contributing to physical disruption. Additionally, Grasberg may be allowed to export copper concentrates, further limiting supply.
The US Department of Labor reported weak jobs data, causing odds of a September Fed hike to fall to 46% from 67%. This has led investors to buy gold ETFs, with over ~200,000oz bought overnight. Gold prices have risen ahead of US inflation data, with the spot price at $4,413/oz.