Copper futures rebounded to around $5.5 per pound on Friday after hitting multi-month lows in the previous session, supported by reassurances from the US and Israel regarding the Middle East conflict. US President Donald Trump said the US is not considering deploying ground troops against Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel would hold off on further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. The conflict has pressured metals markets amid concerns that rising energy prices could slow global manufacturing and economic activity. Despite the rebound, copper is set for a third consecutive weekly loss, as surging exchange inventories point to softer physical demand. Analysts highlighted weaker Chinese consumption and reduced shipments to the US, slowed by tariffs. Additionally, major central banks signaled a bias toward tighter monetary policy this week amid elevated inflation risks from higher energy costs.
