Copper futures slipped back toward $6 per pound on Thursday after reaching near two-month highs in the prior session, as stalled US-Iran peace efforts and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz kept energy prices elevated and inflation risks in focus. Tehran continues to maintain control of the strategic waterway and has reportedly fired on commercial vessels this week, while the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, sustaining pressure on the Islamic Republic.
Copper and other industrial metals have faced headwinds from inflation concerns that could prompt tighter monetary policy, alongside growth risks that may soften global industrial demand. Still, downside pressure has been partially cushioned by restocking activity in China ahead of the Labor Day holiday from May 1 to 5. Official data also showed Chinese smelters produced a record 1.33 million tons of refined copper in March.
