copper
Copper Prices Explained: Why "Dr. Copper" Predicts the Economy
Among industrial metals, copper holds an unusual reputation. Traders and economists sometimes refer to it as "Dr. Copper," a nod to the idea that the metal's price movements can offer an informal diagnosis of the broader economy's health. Unlike gold, which is prized largely for its monetary and store-of-value role, copper's price is driven overwhelmingly by its use in construction, electronics, and infrastructure, making it a closely watched barometer of industrial activity.