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Copper Pulls Back From Record Highs as Dollar Strength Weighs on Demand

Freightwatch Reporter

Freightwatch.news

·

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Copper retreated from its record close as persistent inflation concerns and a strengthening dollar pressure the industrial metal. US price pressures have intensified expectations that central banks will maintain restrictive monetary policies longer than previously anticipated, limiting near-term rate cut prospects. The stronger greenback simultaneously reduces purchasing power for international buyers and dampens demand across major consuming regions. Chinese purchasers have begun pulling back from the market following the recent rally, with market participants closely monitoring talks between Chinese and US leadership for trade policy signals. Geopolitical tensions continue to support energy prices globally, complicating inflation dynamics. Central banks worldwide remain cautious, with most adopting a wait-and-see approach to assess broader economic implications.

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