Why did copper prices fall from their record high on January 8, 2026?

Copper prices fell as traders booked profits after a rapid price increase, leading to a broad retreat in industrial metals markets.

What is influencing nickel prices in early January 2026?

Nickel prices are influenced by risks to output in Indonesia, buying from Chinese traders stocking for Lunar New Year, and LME inventory levels.

Are industrial metals markets expected to remain volatile in 2026?

While long-term views are bullish, rapid price surges followed by profit-taking suggest continued volatility in the near term.

Home / Business and Economy / Copper Dips From Record High Amid Profit-Taking

Copper Dips From Record High Amid Profit-Taking

8 Jan

•

Summary

Industrial metals futures, including copper, nickel, and zinc, declined sharply.
The market pullback follows a rapid price surge fueled by investment inflows.
Nickel supply risks in Indonesia and Chinese Lunar New Year stocking are factors.

Copper Dips From Record High Amid Profit-Taking

Industrial metals experienced a notable retreat, with copper futures sliding from record highs. Nickel and zinc also saw significant declines on the London Metal Exchange, reflecting a broader market pullback. This shift occurred as investors took profits following a rapid price surge, which had been fueled by substantial investment inflows into China's domestic metals markets over recent weeks.

The sharp run-up in prices had been driven by various factors, including production disruptions at major copper mines and large shipments anticipating tariffs. Nickel, in particular, saw a blistering rally towards the end of the previous year, reaching a 19-month high. However, the speed of these gains has led to profit-taking, with analysts noting that the underlying nickel market remains in surplus despite supply concerns in top producer Indonesia.