05/18/2026
๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ ๐ก๐๐ช๐ฆ
๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ด๐๐ต, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ
Copper futures slipped on Monday, marking a third straight session of losses as growing evidence that the Middle East-driven energy price shock is fuelling broader inflationary pressures reinforced expectations for tighter central bank policy. In the latest developments, President Donald Trump warned that Tehran is running out of time to reach an agreement with Washington, while Iranian media reports suggested negotiations remain at an impasse. Higher interest rates are seen weighing on the outlook for global economic growth and manufacturing activity, putting additional pressure on industrial metals demand. Sentiment was also dampened by signs of weakness in Chinaโs economy, with retail sales and industrial production both missing expectations, while fixed asset investment unexpectedly contracted, raising concerns about demand prospects in the worldโs largest copper consumer.
