metals

The price of copper usually tells us a lot about the future of global economic growth. But recent developments could make it less accurate as an economic indicator.

Businesses that rely on aluminum are deciding whether to absorb the costs or pass them on to their customers. To make that decision, many are drawing from their experiences with tariffs.

The famous Ehrlich-Simon bet on the value of metals showed that prices fell as supply increased, despite population growth.

Remember those steel and aluminum tariffs that were supposed to target China but also pulled in Europe and Canada? Most of them still exist.

They’re valuable in part because the palladium inside is expensive. And Russia provides much of the world’s palladium.

Although prices for aluminum and zinc are ticking up, Adam Schaller, vice president of a Michigan metal foundry, says business is growing.

The 10-year high in prices is due to unrest in Guinea, where a key component is mined, and the surge in demand for the green economy.

Copper has long been seen as an economic predictor. So why are prices dipping, and what are the implications?

Copper, especially, is a key ingredient in electric cars, wind turbines and batteries. Suppliers are not ready to meet the demand.

Millions of dollars worth of valuable metals end up being flushed down the drain, some coming from our own bodies.