Copper futures fell to around $5.8 per pound on Thursday, giving back gains from the previous session as the dollar strengthened amid heightened uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict. The US-Israeli campaign against Iran has now entered its sixth day, keeping markets cautious about further escalation and the risk of a prolonged confrontation. Reports also indicated that Iranian operatives had reached out to the US to explore possible peace talks, though Tehran later denied the outreach. In top consumer China, the government set a softer economic growth target of 4.5%–5% as policymakers grapple with persistent deflationary pressures and higher US tariffs. The country’s 15th Five-Year Plan also outlined increased investments in innovation, high-tech industries, and scientific research, alongside measures to boost household consumption as a share of overall economic output.
