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2025-12-17 11:55:51
[Copper Prices Fluctuate at High Levels as Market Seeks Balance Between Fed Policy Signals and Fundamentals] 1. Copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose on Wednesday as traders awaited US inflation data that could influence the Fed's rate-cutting path, while the market continued to benefit from supply disruptions and strong demand related to electrification. 2. As of press time, LME three-month copper was up 0.9%. Although copper prices have entered a high-level fluctuation pattern since hitting a record high of nearly $12,000 per tonne last Friday, the year-to-date gain is still over 30%. Market sentiment remains generally constructive, mainly supported by mine supply disruptions and structural demand related to global electrification and grid investment. 3. However, the uneven performance of the market this week also highlights the vulnerability of copper prices to sentiment fluctuations. Traders are closely watching upcoming US inflation data and speeches by several Fed officials to judge future interest rate directions. Chicago Fed President Goolsby expects strong economic growth in 2026 and supports further rate cuts. Market concerns that a cooling of optimism related to artificial intelligence or economic data could dampen broader risk appetite, thus putting pressure on copper prices.
