Get started

VIDEO: Don’t ignore Doctor Copper

In recent months,a disconnect has become apparent between copper prices and the DAX, Germany's stock index, so is it time to look to other avenues to predict macroeconomic trends?

November 29, 2013
By Generic people page
Base metals Copper
{BrightcoveVideo}

In recent months,a disconnect has become apparent between copper prices and the DAX, Germany’s stock index, so is it time to look to other avenues to predict macroeconomic trends?

Metal Bulletin’s Alex Harrison asks BCA Research’s chief European strategist Dhaval Joshi about why analysts have started to question the use of Dr Copper as an indicator of the state of the global economy, why analysts should ignore it at their peril, and what trades Joshi recommends as a result of the divergence.

To read more on this topic, please see BCA Research’s blog: http://blog.bcaresearch.com/dont-ignore-doctor-copper

Alex Harrison
aharrison@metalbulletin.com
Twitter: @alexharrison_mb

What to read next
Wood, Lumber, Machine
10-year clock ticking as US copper tariff opens arbitrage window, tests supply chain security
Market reactions to the soon-to-be-implemented US copper tariff are driving short-term volatility and supply imbalances while fuelling long-term efforts to expand domestic production, recycling and infrastructure.
July 28, 2025
 · 
By Rae Boyadjis
Export controls on recycled copper risk harming industry | Hotter Commodities
US export controls on recycled copper would have unintended consequences that could weaken the country’s domestic recycling and manufacturing ecosystems, the president of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) said.
July 25, 2025
 · 
By Andrea Hotter
Delayed publication of nickel 4×4 cathode, nickel briquette and nickel uncut cathode premiums in-whs Rotterdam
The publication of Fastmarkets’ assessments for nickel 4x4 cathode, nickel briquette and nickel uncut cathode premiums in-whs Rotterdam was delayed on Tuesday July 16 because of a reporter error.
July 15, 2025
 · 
By James McKeigue
Correction to alumina index inferred prices on July 15
Fastmarkets has corrected its alumina index inferred prices, which were published incorrectly on Tuesday July 15.
July 15, 2025
 · 
By Fastmarkets Staff
Cocoa, Dessert, Food
US copper scrap industry needs export controls, PMR CEO says | Hotter Commodities
The United States' copper recycling industry is ramping up pressure on policymakers to impose some form of export controls on high-purity copper scrap, arguing that current trade dynamics – particularly with China – are distorting prices, weakening domestic capacity and undermining national security goals.
July 15, 2025
 · 
By Andrea Hotter
Launch of Indonesia nickel ore prices: pricing notice
Fastmarkets launched two new price assessments for Indonesia’s domestic trade in nickel ore on Tuesday July 15. The two price assessments are for domestic trades of Indonesian laterite ores with 1.6% and 1.2% nickel content. Indonesia now accounts for 60% of the global nickel supplies and while there is an official government reference price, known […]
July 15, 2025
 · 
By Dylan Duan