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Copper prices have held up solidly this year due to endless Chinese demand, and have proven to...

  • Friday, July 20, 2012, 7:45 PM ET
    Copper prices have held up solidly this year due to endless Chinese demand, and have proven to be a sturdy hedge in the face of mostly downbeat global economic data. More importantly, it's resilience is a possible sign that perhaps the global downturn isn't as dire as it seems. Even as growth declines, infrastructure projects in China have been proceeding as scheduled. So, as long as China’s economy chugs along, copper will continue to retain its sweet spot as a counter-trade against the rest of the world's woes.
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This news story has 8 comments:

  • Imagine how expensive copper will be once America starts to replace its network of 100 to 200 year old copper pipes.
    20 Jul 2012, 08:52 PM Reply Like
  • I hate to disappoint you but America's network of piping is made of ductile iron. BTW the use of copper goes way beyond piping,due to it being one of the widely used industrial metals. Many of the new homes being built today use PEX instead of copper for domestic water, and heating piping. At least refrigeration piping is still done with copper tubing.
    One of the indicators that a countries economy is making a turnaround is when the copper production, consumption, and price all rise.
    20 Jul 2012, 11:18 PM Reply Like
  • http://bit.ly/NRpPy8

    It still seems like America is a big buyer of copper and will remain so. China isn't the only copper user in the world.
    21 Jul 2012, 06:42 AM Reply Like
  • Copper holding up solidly this year?

    Are you kidding me?

    It has given up all gains from early part of the year, along with all EM and European stocks, and you call that 'solid'?

    From a technical point of view, copper's condition is down right atrocious.
    20 Jul 2012, 09:11 PM Reply Like
  • IMHO copper is not "cheap"...if the dollar trends higher, we'll see it head toward $3. Let us also not forget there are copper substitutes...
    20 Jul 2012, 10:02 PM Reply Like
  • The prices of commodities are no longer determined by the age old mantra of demand and supply. It is determined by the futures and options outstanding on the global commodity exchange casino.

    Hence even if there is a lack of demand or supply glut of any commodity in the real world, the price of it will be decided by the strongest player on the exchange.

    http://bit.ly/PoXMSN
    21 Jul 2012, 01:54 AM Reply Like
  • All said copper was going to hell and we put are boys/girls into FCX at 31 recently and posted... All the its going to 20s an this an that.

    Plus the dividend and a little gold they come across...

    NOTE, the US 100 year old copper pipes won't be replaced with copper..

    But, China isn't the only place. LA and South Amerca are growing and have no electric codes. Now most countries are finally getting them and the entire region will rewire ! DL
    21 Jul 2012, 06:55 AM Reply Like
  • What happens when China stops stockpiling and starts reducing its huge inventory?
    21 Jul 2012, 09:55 AM Reply Like
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