Copper Futures Drop Below $4.2: Fed Decision and Chinese Economic Data Impact Market
Team FS
18/Sep/2024

Copper futures retreated below $4.2 per pound, moving away from two-month highs as market participants prepare for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming monetary policy decision.
The US Federal Reserve is expected to announce its first rate cut in four years, with uncertainty over whether the cut will be 50 or 25 basis points.
Disappointing economic data from China, including weaker industrial output, retail sales, and fixed asset investments, along with rising urban unemployment and falling home prices, is prompting investors to look for additional policy support from Chinese authorities.
Copper futures experienced a decline, falling below $4.2 per pound, after reaching two-month highs. This retreat reflects the market’s cautious stance as it prepares for significant economic announcements. Investors are closely watching the US Federal Reserve as it is expected to implement its first rate cut in four years. However, there is still uncertainty regarding whether the rate reduction will be 50 basis points or 25 basis points, which is influencing market sentiment and copper prices.
Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policy Decision
The Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision is a key focus, as it will shape market expectations and investment strategies. A rate cut could potentially impact various commodities, including copper, by influencing borrowing costs and economic growth projections.
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Chinese Economic Data and Policy Support
In addition to the US Fed's decision, investors are also awaiting policy support cues from Chinese authorities. Recent economic data from China has been disappointing. Reports released over the weekend highlighted weaker-than-expected industrial output, retail sales, and fixed asset investments for August. Furthermore, the urban unemployment rate has risen to a six-month high, and home prices have fallen at their fastest pace in nine years. These factors are raising concerns about the strength of China’s economic recovery.
The market is now looking forward to the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) decision on the loan prime rate later this week. The PBOC’s actions will be crucial in determining whether additional policy measures will be implemented to support economic growth.
Investor Sentiment and Market Outlook
As investors brace for these crucial economic decisions, the copper market is experiencing volatility. The combined impact of the Fed’s potential rate cut and the Chinese economic outlook is shaping market expectations. The direction of copper prices will likely be influenced by the outcomes of these decisions and subsequent market reactions.
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