Metal Price
2 articles
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.
Spot Price vs Futures Price: What Metal Investors Need to Know
If you've followed metal prices for any length of time, you've likely come across two different figures for the "same" metal: the spot price and the futures price. They're often close to each other, but they're not the same thing, and the difference between them tells you something useful about market expectations.