Copper extended last week’s gain as a weaker USD and prospect of easing monetary policy boosted investor appetite, ANZ commodity strategists note.

Copper finds support from the demand in China

“Recent economic data in the US have supported the view that while economic growth is weakening, itis not expected to produce a hard landing. With inflation easing, that should open the door for the Fed to start cutting rates. Copper found some additional support from signs of stronger demand in China.”

“Exports of unwrought copper and products fell 40% m/m to 140.9kt in July, suggesting a demand recovery in the world’s largest consumer. The Yangshan premium has also rebounded while stockpiles on the Shanghai Futures Exchange have eased from their June peak.”

“Orders from power grids have been behind the shift in demand, as the need to bolster the network rises amid strong electricity demand. The gains were muted by easing supply side issues. BHP and union leaders have reached a preliminary wage agreement ending a strike at the world’s largest copper mine.”