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Copper

Copper News

The "doctor" of the global economy — its price moves track industrial activity worldwide.

What is Copper?

Copper is a base metal critical to electrical wiring, construction, plumbing, electronics, and electric vehicles. Global pricing is set on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and COMEX. Top producing countries: Chile (~25% of global supply), Peru, China, US, DRC. China is the largest consumer (~50% of global demand).

Why it matters for investors

Copper has earned the nickname "Dr. Copper" because its broad industrial use makes it a real-time gauge of economic activity. The energy transition (EVs, wind, solar, grid expansion) creates a structural demand tailwind — an EV uses ~4x more copper than an internal-combustion vehicle. Supply is constrained by limited new mine development.

Frequently asked questions

Why is copper called "Dr. Copper"?

Because it is used so broadly in the economy (wiring, plumbing, electronics, EVs), copper price moves often signal underlying economic strength or weakness before official data confirms it.

What is the copper-gold ratio?

Copper price ÷ gold price. A rising ratio suggests growth optimism (industrial demand outpacing safe-haven demand). A falling ratio often precedes recessions.