Copper

Copper is often called 'Dr. Copper' for its reputation as an economic barometer — its price tends to rise with global industrial expansion and fall during recessions. As the third most consumed industrial metal after iron and aluminum, copper is essential for electrical wiring, construction, transportation, and electronics. The clean energy transition is a major demand catalyst: EVs use 3-4x more copper than conventional vehicles, and renewable energy systems are copper-intensive. Chile and Peru account for about 40% of global mine supply. Copper trades primarily on the LME, COMEX, and Shanghai Futures Exchange, with inventory levels at these exchanges closely monitored as supply indicators.