In a holiday-dominated period, global copper premiums were unchanged in the three major regions over the past week.
US premiums were flat once again with the end of mating season and holiday season squashing interest. Outside of Italian premiums, European spot markets were similar to that in the United States. Shanghai premiums were unchanged with Chinese investors on an extended holiday. US market quiet to begin year US copper premiums were unchanged over the week to Tuesday January 2 with the combination of the festive period and the end of mating season leading market participants to head to the sidelines. The US Midwest copper cathode premium was assessed at 5.25-5.75 cents per lb on Tuesday. Spot market activity is expected to remain muted until after the first quarter of 2018. "The attitude is folks have booked 'most' of what they need for January," a US-based trader said. Optimism remains that the...