MEGA TRADE: Copper Short SqueezeCopper has had a monster run to the upside.
Its clearly going to affect aspects in the economy by applying upward pressure on inflation and downward pressure on home builders and construction.
Copper surging shows resilience in the global economy but simultaneously high copper prices could cure this rushing demand.
Copper technicals are screaming a pullback, a short setup is looming.
Copper
Heading into pullback resistance?Copper is rising towards a resistance level which is a pullback resistance and could potentially reverse from this level to our take profit.
Entry: 5.1345
Why we like it:
There is a pullback resistance level.
Stop loss: 5.2178
Why we like it:
There is a resistance level which lines up with the 127.2% Fibonacci retracement.
Take profit: 4.9594
Why we like it:
There is a pullback support level which aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement.
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A Traders’ Week Ahead Playbook • Key event risks for the week ahead.
• Nvidia’s Q125 earnings, a key driver of equity markets this week.
• Fed speakers could move markets – Powell, Waller, and Jefferson in the spotlight.
• US equity markets at all-time highs – fatigued, but well-supported.
• Copper, gold, platinum, and silver are all on fire.
The key event risks for traders this week
We look ahead and eye the key event risk, where I would be paying particular attention to earnings from Nvidia, and speeches from Fed members Waller (he speaks 3 times this week), Jefferson and Chair Powell. We get UK, and Canadian CPI, and will keep a beady eye on the narrative out from the RBNZ meeting, which will keep rates hold but guide on the future direction of rates. We also get manufacturing and services PMIs in the US, UK, Australia, and Europe.
UK CPI (due Wed at 16:00 AEST) could get the GBP moving – in either direction – with UK swaps market pricing a near 60% probability of a 25bp cut in the 20 June BoE meeting, and 55bp of cuts by December, and with core CPI expected to fall to 3.6% y/y (from 4.2%) and headline CPI eyed at 2.1% y/y, a lower-than-forecast CPI print could cement a June cut in the market eyes. For those wanting to trade GBP downside, short GBPNZD was the play last week, although, with the RBNZ meeting due on Wednesday, an extension of this trade has risk.
Nvidia should beat but by how much?
Q125 earnings from Nvidia could get the AI-related semis and the NAS100 firing up (or lower), and even set off moves across other markets too. When the options market prices an 8.6% move on the day of earnings, if this implied move proves to be correct, that’s a staggering $195b in market cap gained or lost in a likely 60-minute window. It would also equate to a -/+0.5% move in S&P500 futures in the after-hours session.
We know Nvidia will likely beat the sell-side (investment banks) consensus estimates for revenue, EPS, and gross margins - they always do - but it’s the extent of the beat that matters. Q125 sales are eyed at $24.61b, with Q225 sales guidance expected to come in around $26.72b – one suspects they’ll need to hit us with sales of GETTEX:26B + for Q125 sales and GETTEX:29B for Q225 sales respectively, with CEO Jensen Huang with inspiring guidance to get this pumping like we saw in February.
Fed speakers to watch out for
The message last week from the Fed was one of patience and this message is likely what we’ll hear from Fed speakers this week as well. Chair Powell, Fed board member Waller and Vice-chair Jefferson will be the central focus here, and their views on inflation and policy could move markets, although broadly, markets feel comfortable with the current pricing of 43bp of cuts priced by December, and we see US 2yr Treasuries holding a range of 4.89% to 4.70%.
Last week’s US CPI was encouraging and while this week’s US PMI data could move the dial, notably, if the services print were to surprise and pull below 50 (consensus is at 51.4) it could lift volatility and promote USD sellers. That said, it feels like the market is looking forward to the nonfarm payrolls print on 7 June as the next big piece of the macro jigsaw.
US data has been missing the mark on a consistent basis since mid-April and that has led some to say the US economy is moving towards a ‘soft landing’ environment and away from a ‘no landing’ dynamic. Add in solid earnings beats and growth, a renewed belief in the ‘Fed put’ and a world with a huge appetite to sell volatility (the VIX now sits at a lowly 11.99%) - and we have the S&P500, Dow and NAS100 at all-time highs.
This is a tough market for those in short positions for more than an intraday day trade, and those positioned for downside would be hoping that Nvidia disappoints in a big way. Nvidia are not a company I would typically bet against, so even though the various US indices look tired, the platform is set for further highs and pullbacks should be shallow.
This is true of the HK50/CHINAH indices too, which have had another incredible week of gains. Data in China is lacking this week, so we are fully at the mercy of liquidity and flows. 20k is the near-term target for the HK50 index, but I would consider switching some of HK50 exposure towards the mainland equity markets and the CN50 index, which has broken out and outperformed HK equity on Friday.
We’ll see if some of the goodwill towards China can spill over into the ASX200, which saw supply above 7850 last week – should the ASX200 kick through 7860 early I would be looking for a re-test of Thursday’s highs (7900) and even new all-time highs above 7910.
Copper on fire
The action continues to be in the metals complex – the space is red hot. Copper closed 4.1% higher on Friday, taking the gains for the week to 8.3%, and for the trend-followers and momentum traders, the daily chart is a thing of beauty. Many know the story on reduced copper supply, and those highly focused on the copper scene would be aware of the massive short covering seen in CME futures positioning since mid-February (-42k contracts to stand at +72k) and the widening premium of CME copper to LME copper to $1041 - but the move in copper is momentum 101 and discretionary and systematic players have had to chase.
For FX traders, this move in copper remains a huge tailwind for the CLP (Chilean peso), where USDCLP has fallen 9.4% since mid-April.
Market players chasing silver, platinum and gold
The chase higher from various market players is also true in silver, which had its best week since August 2020, helped by a monster move of 6.5% on Friday, which took price through to the best levels since Feb 2013. Platinum has participated with an 8.8% weekly gain, while gold closed at a new closing high, and eyes the all-time intraday high of $2431.52 – a weekly close above here this week and the FOMO chase could be real.
The question of exactly what is driving the gold move above $2400 is one we hear frequently. The fact we saw US real rates (i.e. US bonds adjusted for expected inflation) rise 3bp higher on Friday – typically a headwind for gold - yet gold rallied 1.6% details that there are other factors than rates driving gold flows – these include a broad base rally in metals, central bank buying, increasing Chinese gold holdings (relative to its international reserves), a hedge against ballooning government deficits; it’s all there and it seems we always have to pick a reasoning behind a move after the fact.
I have little idea how anyone trades gold short-term from a purely fundamental standpoint. My view is to be a slave to price action, react, align with the short-term trend, and cut quickly when the move goes against you.
Anyhow, another big week of market themes and risk to have on the radar.
Good luck to all.
Cascade Copper may erupt soon!This copper exploration play is in a GREAT position.
Tight capital structure in great jurisdictions and with an awesome management team.
It could explode any time now -- especially with copper spot reaching all-time highs. If you're bullish copper, look at this now before you miss the boat. They are also exploring for other mineral plays, such as gold.
Above .6 cents and this could fly.
Side (fundamental) note: Former Alberta Premier Alison Redford is on the board. That is significant.
Another of my masterpieces on $COPPER this time long time comingI've been meaning to revisit NYSE:HG for a while now and finally have done so; there have been some very interesting visits to black swan territory on this chart and the short term targets after breaking out from another of those green channels could really be quite high (see 20y ago)
Some very notable calls in recent years:
SPREADEX:NIKKEI and TVC:DJI both to 40k (over 1y in advance)
CRYPTOCAP:BTC pico bottom at 15k and recent local top at 70k
FX:EURUSD pico bottom & TVC:DXY pico top at 115
TVC:USOIL pico bottom at 68
NASDAQ:SMCI mega breakout at 100
NASDAQ:NVDA mega support at 120
NASDAQ:TSLA pico bottom at 105
NASDAQ:NFLX pico bottom at 165
Copper Rises to 2+ Year Highs on Improving Supply-Demand OutlookCopper prices have rallied more than 20% this year as the market is tightening, moving above 4.800 for the first time in more than two years. Improving supply-demand dynamics can drive further gains, with the March 2022 record peak now in the spotlight (5.041).
Concerns around output are high, as key miners expect lower production this year. At the same time, demand optimism is on the rise, with the AI-driven recovery of the chip industry and the clean energy transition to support usage of the non-ferrous metal.
On the other hand, production is still likely to grow this year and there are uncertainties around demand. A key source is China, due to its uneven post-pandemic recovery and the ailing real estate sector.
Furthermore, the RSI points to overbought conditions and has not followed the price higher today, creating scope for a pullback. However, a strong catalyst would be needed to challenge the EMA200 (black line) and the bullish momentum.
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Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com
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Losses can exceed deposits.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website:
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Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
HG Futures, Copper's Potential Rise: Monthly, Weekly, Daily.Monthly is winding up for a big drop or huge jump.
Monthly:
Weekly:
Daily shows price winding up potentially the rest of the year. So I will look towards year end for the fireworks, that will decide if our pent up momentum will release upwards or downwards.
My gut says inflation will send it upward in the near future.
Copper Extends Gains to Two Year Highs Prices rally around 15% this month and break another threshold, hitting the highest levels in two years. The advance brings the record peak of 2022 in the spotlight (5.041) and given the improved supply-demand dynamics, that level looks within reach.
There is optimism around increased need for the non-ferrous metal due to the green energy transition and the recovery of the chip industry, largely fueled by the AI boom. The recent data from China – one of the world’s top consumers - also helped, as GDP rose more than expected in Q1. On the supply side, key mining companies have cut their 2024 production forecasts, while Chinese smelters have reportedly agreed to lower their output.
On the other hand, China’s post-pandemic recovery is bumpy and its critical property sector still in distress. The US economy is strong, but the recent preliminary GDP offered a warning sign and sticky inflation raises the bar for looser monetary policy. On the technical front, the RSI is overbought and Copper may be ripe for a pullback. However, daily closes below the EMA200 would be required for the bullish bias to halt and that looks like a toll order, while the downside appears well-protected.
Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com):
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Stratos Europe Ltd (trading as “FXCM” or “FXCM EU”), previously FXCM EU Ltd (www.fxcm.com):
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com):
Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com
Stratos Global LLC (www.fxcm.com):
Losses can exceed deposits.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website:
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Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
🔥Copper Price Surges as It Breaks the Trendline🔥Copper prices have risen in recent days, supported by a number of positive factors. A weakening US dollar against other major currencies has made copper more attractive to foreign investors.
In addition, the market received positive news from Chile, the world's largest copper producer. Chilean President Gabriel Boric predicted that output from state-owned miner Codelco would grow slowly this year. However, analysts remain optimistic about copper prices due to expected demand growth in sectors such as electric vehicles, electric infrastructure, AI and automation.
Trafigura, a large commodity trading firm, forecasts that copper demand will grow steadily in the coming years. This forecast is supported by the increasing investment in renewable energy and electric vehicle projects, which use more copper than traditional vehicles.
Today, according to our assessment, the price of the currency continues to rise as it approaches the support area.
Trading recommendation
SELL LMT CPEN24:
Entry: 4.5060
STP: 4.4630
TP: 4.6390
Copper overboughtCopper has been in an uptrend since february 2024.
Price is currently outside Bollinger bands (50 period).
Some of the reasons copper has been rising is near term demand and shortages, some articles pointing out to data center demand for copper for the AI boom.
With Nvidia, intc, amd and other tech stocks showing weakness in last week, my opinion is that it might be a good time to look for shorts in copper, with tight stops.
COPPER New Bull Cycle confirmed. 6.7600 possible.Copper (HG1!) has emphatically broken above the last Resistance of the 2-year Bear Cycle as it smashed through the top of the long-term Triangle pattern. The same pattern kept Copper on a Bear Cycle up until June 2020 when it started the remarkable rally to the 5.000 High (1.786 Fibonacci extension).
As you can see on both fractals, the formation of a Death Cross on the 1W time-frame signaled the bottom (Feb-March 2020 is the COVID crash exception, if that hadn't happened, the Triangle could have even broken upwards earlier).
Our minimum Target on the emerging (green) Channel Up is 6.7600 (Fibonacci 1.618 extension).
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COPPER, THE MUSICAL.. ERR I MEAN, GUIDE. (Cu, Copper)COPPER, What's the deal with this shiny brown stuff that I hear everyone steals?
Should I steal copper or is there a better way?
What do I need to know?
What is the fast summary to catch me up?
First, let's talk about the technicals.
Some massive trends, all strong.
price targets labeled
there are numbers that go pretty high, but it seems a retracement might be needed to get there.
Potential to buy under 3.
Potential to sell over 4.
idk where it heads first.
Copper: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction Copper , denoted by the symbol Cu on the periodic table, is a versatile metal with a wide range of applications. It is renowned for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability. These properties make it a valuable resource in various industries.
Uses of Copper Copper is extensively used in the electrical industry due to its superior conductivity. It forms a crucial component in electrical equipment such as wiring and motors. In the construction industry, copper is used for roofing and plumbing, thanks to its durability and resistance to corrosion. Interestingly, copper’s antimicrobial properties are leveraged in healthcare settings to reduce the number of patients who acquire infections in hospitals.
How and Where Copper is Found Copper is typically found in nature in association with sulfur. The extraction process involves mining and concentrating low-grade ores containing copper sulfide minerals. This is followed by smelting and electrolytic refining to produce pure copper. Copper deposits are found in various locations worldwide, including South America, South Central Asia, Indochina, and North America. It is found as a primary mineral in basaltic lavas and also as reduced from copper compounds.
History of Copper Use Copper has a rich history of use by humans. It was one of the first metals ever extracted and used by humans, first appearing in coins and ornaments around 8000 B.C. The advent of copper tools around 5500 B.C. helped civilization emerge from the Stone Age.
Copper in the Periodic Table In the periodic table, copper is a transition metal located in Group 11, along with silver and gold. These metals share similar electron structures, which result in many shared characteristics.
Comparable Metals and Alloys Copper is often compared to other “red metals” like brass and bronze. While copper is a pure metal, brass and bronze are copper alloys. Brass is a combination of copper and zinc, while bronze is a combination of copper and tin. Copper is also alloyed with other metals like nickel, aluminum, and beryllium to enhance its properties.
Costs and Difficulties of Working with Copper Despite its importance, the extraction and use of copper come with significant challenges. Mining copper can lead to environmental hazards, affecting water access, air quality, and Indigenous cultural sites. Moreover, the cost of copper has been rising due to increasing demand and supply constraints.
Future Potential of Copper The future of copper looks promising, especially considering its role in the energy transition. Copper is critical for renewable energy systems, including solar and wind power, and electric vehicles. However, the potential for a copper shortage is drawing concerns about how to sustainably meet future demand.
Conclusion Copper is an incredibly versatile and important metal with a rich history and a promising future. As we continue to innovate and move towards a more sustainable future, the role of copper is likely to become even more significant.
Copper. Let's crawl upCopper continues to rise in price.
In addition to the fundamental factors, there is some sentiment from the options market that the quotes may rise further.
Call 4,3 $ - 56 days before exp. The unusual interest in this level suggests that there's a positive sentiment among option traders.
Copper RSI Divergence Threatens Bullish BiasTechnicals
Prices hit fifteen-month highs this week, extending the recent rally. Copper is on the verge of another breakout, eyeing the January 2023 highs (4.356), which could open the door for further gain towards 4.579.
On the other hand, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) did not follow the price action and diverged lower on the H4 chart. This can lead to pullback, but the downside appears well-protected, starting with the EMA200 (at around 4.020). Daily closes below it are needed for the bullish momentum to pause, but that need strong catalyst.
Fundamentals
The improved supply-demand dynamics have fueled the rally and favor further upside. Optimism around China from recent data boost demand prospects midst the supportive green energy transition and the rebound of the chip industry that is largely fueled by the AI revolution. At the same time major mining companies have slashed their 2024 output outlook.
However, China’s recovery is bumpy and the critical property sector remains in distress. The US economy is performing very well, but along with sticky inflation and robust labor market, there is risk for fewer Fed rate cate cuts that could create headwinds.
Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com):
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 66% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Stratos Europe Ltd (trading as “FXCM” or “FXCM EU”), previously FXCM EU Ltd (www.fxcm.com):
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com):
Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com
Stratos Global LLC (www.fxcm.com):
Losses can exceed deposits.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website:
Stratos Markets Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Stratos Europe Ltd clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Stratos Trading Pty. Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Stratos Global LLC clients please see: www.fxcm.com
Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
Will Copper Shine Brighter than Gold?Intricate dance between gold and copper prices is a tale beyond mere metals. It reflects global economic sentiments, industrial demand, geopolitical angst, and investment trends.
Gazing into the crystal ball to decipher the future of the gold to copper ratio, a fascinating narrative unfolds, particularly highlighting copper's brighter prospects.
Copper is displaying record futures premium unseen since 1994 fueled by supply side concerns. Beacon of positive economic data from China, is helping Copper shine brighter than Gold.
This paper delves into the forces propelling copper and illustrates how portfolio managers can use the gold-to-copper ratio to gain risk reduced exposure to copper’s ascent.
COPPER SUPPLY IS FACING PLENTLY OF HEADWINDS
Mined copper and Refined copper are facing potential supply disruptions.
Copper miners have benefited from the growth in supply over the past year. Australian mining giants reported higher annual copper production (BHP up 7% and Rio Tinto up 3%). Both benefited from a higher realized price.
Copper mining costs for Australian miners were higher due to outages. While copper operations have done well, other commodities have not. Iron Ore, Aluminum, Platinum Group Metals, and Nickel prices are performing poorly. This has negatively impacted performance of mining majors. BHP profit was flat while Rio Tinto was down 9%.
It is likely that miners will start scaling down production to boost profitability. Some have already started. For instance, Anglo American announced that it would lower its copper production guidance by 20% to 730k-790k tonnes.
Mine outages are another source of concern. Macquarie Bank highlighted that disruptions remain elevated resulting in supply deficit of 700k tonnes in 2024.
Copper shortage risks exacerbating the ongoing raw material shortage at refiners. Chinese copper smelters announced a rare joint production cut last month due to shortage of ore. Consequently, Chinese copper spot treatment charges (measure of refiner profits) plunged 75% in merely two months.
Recent guidance from BHP (+7%) and Rio Tinto (+11%) point to a sharp increase in copper production signaling strong demand. Rio Tinto’s own smelter projects are coming back online this year, and its guidance suggests refined copper production will surge 40%. This will exacerbate ongoing raw ore shortage.
COPPER FUTURES PREMIUM SURGES TO HIGHEST SINCE 1994
Potential supply disruptions are evident in the market. The contango for copper futures on CME Group is sharply steeper signaling even higher prices in the future.
Source: CME QuikStrike
Front-month futures are trading sharply higher than the spot price. According to Bloomberg, the gap between LME copper 3-month forward and cash market is at its highest since 1994. Copper prices are clearly sensitive to supply side shocks.
CHINA’S RECOVERING ECONOMY SUPPORTS COPPER DEMAND
Copper prices are shining bright. Supply constraint is not the only reason. Demand outlook is promising. Chinese economy has started to build up pace. Outlook however remains uncertain.
Copper is overwhelmingly impacted by industrial and manufacturing activity and growth. Caixin’s China manufacturing PMI surged from 50.9 to 51.1 in March. It marked the fifth consecutive month of manufacturing expansion which augurs well for copper demand. However, demand side headwinds remain. Besides manufacturing, housing is a key sector driving copper consumption. Housing construction consumes copper for wiring and piping. Persistent housing slowdown will drag down copper demand.
TECHNICAL SIGNALS POINT TO BULLISH COPPER
COPPER
GOLD
Both copper and gold exhibit strong bullishness. Technical signals for copper are marginally greater than those for gold. Copper shows stronger positive momentum according to RSI while Gold’s momentum is fading. Gold also faces resistance at its R1 pivot point while copper has found support at its R1 pivot point.
OPTIONS MARKET BODE WELL FOR COPPER RELATIVE TO GOLD
Positioning on CME options market signals that both copper and gold have a bullish outlook. However, copper’s put/call ratio is lower, indicating a more bullish sentiment. Unlike gold, copper has seen a buildup of bullish positioning over the past week too.
COPPER
CME copper options have a put call ratio of 0.44 as of 4/April.
Source: CME QuikStrike
Changes to open interest have been bullish with a larger growth in calls relative to puts over the past week.
GOLD
CME gold options have a put call ratio of 0.72 as of 4/April.
Source: CME QuikStrike
Puts open interest has been on the rise, especially in near-term contracts over the past week.
COMMITMENT OF TRADERS ALSO FAVOR COPPER OVER GOLD
COPPER
Asset managers have switched from net short to net long positioning over the past month in CME copper derivatives. However, the most recent report shows short positioning being built up sharply.
GOLD
Asset managers built up a large net long position beginning March in COMEX Gold. Since then, positioning has since remained unchanged at net long. Asset managers have also been consistently scaling back short positions over the last month.
HYPOTHETICAL TRADE SETUP
Copper is faced with the potential of worsening supply disruptions. Supply of raw ore for refiners is already disrupted, forcing them to become unprofitable.
This situation is likely to worsen as Rio Tinto’s smelting plants come online through the year consuming even more raw ore. Supply of ore is also being cut by miners as they face unprofitable conditions.
Supply of ore is also rising. Australian miners stated that production is expected to rise this year. Supply may become resilient if refiner’s scale back production.
Demand favors copper with consistent economic recovery in Chinese manufacturing. Housing remains a headwind creating downside risk to demand. Copper prices are high and so is uncertainty on the path ahead. Prices are up 10% YTD as of 4/April.
As such, a straightforward long position is risky. Demand at present is not higher, as suggested by the spot discount. In case the disruptions do not materialize, prices could pull back sharply.
Alternative to an outright position in copper is the Gold-Copper ratio which exhibits strong mean reversion.
The ratio is also elevated right now, owing to the massive rally in gold prices through 2024. Gold is trading near its all-time high, which is limiting demand and further price appreciation. Contrastingly, copper is still far from its highs of 2022.
Expecting copper outperformance, a short position in the gold-copper spread can be used to gain exposure to copper’s tailwinds with lower risk.
The following hypothetical trade setup comprises of a long position in CME Micro Copper Futures and a short position in CME Micro Gold futures. The position requires two contracts of Micro Copper for each contract of Micro Gold to balance the notional values. Each Micro gold contract provides exposure to 10 troy ounces of gold (representing a notional value of ~USD 23k. Each Micro copper contract provides exposure to 2500 pounds of copper (representing a notional value of ~USD 10.6k).
• Entry: 558
• Target: 531
• Stop Loss: 567
• Profit at Target: USD 1,402
• Loss at Stop: USD 333
• Reward-Risk: 4.2x
MARKET DATA
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Copper Prices on the Rise - Do Your Research Before You T
Copper prices have recently reached a 14-month high, driven in part by China's economic improvement. This could be a potential trading opportunity, but it's important to be well-informed before making any decisions.
Copper is a key economic indicator, and its demand is expected to rise. However, the market can be volatile.
Here are some resources to help you make informed decisions:
• Copper price charts and analysis
• Information on copper trading risks
Remember, successful trading requires research, understanding your risk tolerance, and aligning your strategy with your goals