Copper Prices Fell in Early Trading, Stimulating Downstream Restocking Sentiment, Spot Premiums/Discounts Rose [SMM North China Spot Copper]

The Democratic Republic of Congo has raised planned copper sales to the United States to 500,000 tonnes through a state-backed marketing venture, marking a fivefold increase from its initial January commitment. The deal, first reported by Semafor, is led by state miner Gécamines and marketed through a joint venture with Mercuria Energy Group, with backing from the US International Development Finance Corporation. It targets copper output from Gécamines’ minority stakes in major operations, including Kamoto Copper Company and Tenke Fungurume.

SMM Morning Meeting Minutes: Overnight, LME copper opened at $13,240.5/mt, fluctuated upward to a high of $13,295/mt in early trading, then the copper price center dropped sharply to $13,182.5/mt, followed by wild swings, and finally closed at $13,242/mt, down 0.26%, with trading volume at 17,000 lots and open interest at 287,000 lots, a decrease of 2,451 lots from the previous trading day, indicating bulls reducing positions. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE copper 2606 contract opened at 102,350 yuan/mt, rose to 102,510 yuan/mt in early trading, then the copper price center dropped sharply to 101,700 yuan/mt, before fluctuating upward to finally close at 102,290 yuan/mt, down 0.09%, with trading volume at 28,500 lots and open interest at 174,000 lots, an increase of 820 lots from the previous trading day, indicating bears adding positions.

New York Fed President Reaffirmed Stance of Holding Rates Steady, but Warned That a Prolonged War Could Simultaneously Push Up Inflation and Weigh on Economic Growth.Williams, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and often referred to as the "third-ranking official" at the US Fed, said Thursday that the current monetary policy stance was "well positioned" to handle the risk of a sustained supply shock that could arise from the war in the Middle East. He warned that the conflict could push up inflation while suppressing economic activity, creating a dual pressure.