Commodities
Copper
The bellwether industrial metal, closely tied to construction, manufacturing, electrification and Chinese demand.
Copper chart
- Proxy
- Commodity CFD
- Intraday · may be delayed
- CAPITALCOM:COPPER
This chart uses Capital.com's copper CFD as a proxy for COMEX copper futures (HG), in US dollars per pound. Its price can differ from exchange prices, especially around contract rolls.
About the Copper
Copper is used throughout construction, power grids, electronics and vehicles, so its price is often read as a barometer of global industrial activity.
China is the largest consumer, which makes Chinese property and manufacturing data important for copper. Longer-term, electrification and grid investment are frequently cited as structural demand themes.
Copper trades on COMEX (in US cents/dollars per pound), the London Metal Exchange (dollars per tonne) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange.
What moves Copper
Common drivers. None of them determine price on their own.
- China
- Property construction, infrastructure and manufacturing activity in China are major demand drivers.
- Global PMIs
- Manufacturing surveys such as ISM Manufacturing help gauge the industrial cycle.
- Supply
- Mine disruptions, grade declines and smelter capacity affect available supply.
- Trade policy
- Tariffs and export restrictions can open price gaps between regional exchanges.
Copper trading hours
Regular schedules in US Eastern time unless noted. Holidays and early closes are not shown.
| Venue | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| COMEX copper futures (CME Globex) | Sun–Fri 6:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET (daily 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET break) | — |
Economic events that matter for Copper
Why each release can move this market. Reactions depend on the surprise versus expectations and on the backdrop.
| Event | Why it can matter for Copper |
|---|---|
| ISM Mfg Next: | Copper is used throughout construction, wiring and machinery, so the manufacturing survey — especially new orders — is a direct read on US industrial demand, even though China is the largest consumer. |
| GDP Next: | Copper is one of the most growth-sensitive commodities; a US growth surprise can move it, though Chinese data and mine supply disruptions often matter more. |
Also scheduled: China's official PMIs and activity data are often as important for copper as US releases. They are not covered on this site.
Copper FAQ
Why is copper called 'Dr. Copper'?
The nickname reflects the idea that copper prices diagnose the health of the global economy because the metal is used so widely in industry. It is a useful signal but not a reliable forecaster on its own.
What are copper futures hours?
COMEX copper futures trade on CME Globex from Sunday 6:00 p.m. to Friday 5:00 p.m. ET with a daily 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET break.