Copper prices hold above the $14,000 mark as U.S. interest rate outlook boosts the metals sector.

After six consecutive weeks of increases, copper prices have entered a narrow range of fluctuations, supported by tightening supply and a cooling of market concerns regarding interest rate hikes in the U.S. Last week, copper prices broke through $14,000 per ton, reaching an intraday high not seen since a significant surge at the end of January. The market anticipates that the White House will implement import tariffs, resulting in a large inflow of copper metal into the U.S., which has reduced supply in other regions and pushed up copper prices on the London Metal Exchange. Expectations of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates this year have also waned, which is beneficial for copper prices. Last Friday, U.S. employment data fell short of expectations, alleviating inflation concerns and leading to increased bullish sentiment in risk assets. Rising interest rates could suppress the global economy, thereby impacting metal prices. CITIC Futures stated in their research report: "Copper prices are expected to remain high and volatile in the short term." Copper prices are reported at $14,080 per ton, essentially unchanged; aluminum prices rose by 0.5%, while zinc prices fell by 0.3%. Singapore iron ore futures decreased by 0.2%, priced at $94.55 per ton.