[SMM Spot Copper] According to SMM data, copper inventories in the Shanghai region decreased by 3,200 mt from Tuesday to 86,400 mt. The continuous decline in inventories has supported spot premiums. However, as the delivery date approaches, the willingness of bears/shorts to drive down prices and purchase copper will emerge. Additionally, the widening of the price spread between futures contracts will further suppress spot premiums. It is expected that spot premiums will continue to decline tomorrow.

Today, spot #1 copper cathode in North China was trading at a discount of 130 yuan/mt to 70 yuan/mt against the front-month contract, with an average discount of 100 yuan/mt, a decrease of 40 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The transaction prices ranged from 77,970 yuan/mt to 78,250 yuan/mt, with an average price of 78,110 yuan/mt, down 150 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

【Barrick Mining Corporation: Q1 Gold Production Reaches 758,000 Ounces, Copper Production Increases to 44,000 mt】On May 7 (Wednesday), Barrick Mining Corporation announced its Q1 performance. The company had a solid start to the fiscal year, making significant progress in its long-term strategy and advancing its gold and copper asset portfolios. The company reported that its Q1 gold production reached 758,000 ounces, at the high end of the guidance range of 700,000-750,000 ounces. Copper production increased to 44,000 mt due to cost improvements. Despite ongoing expansion work at Pueblo Viejo and planned maintenance at Nevada Gold Mines, the average realized gold price for the quarter was US$2,898 per ounce, up from US$2,657 in the previous quarter and a 40% increase year-over-year, supporting higher profit margins.

On May 7 (Wednesday), Goldman Sachs raised its quarterly copper price forecast, citing easing trade tensions and resilient copper demand, which are expected to continue supporting copper prices in the coming months.