Copper and aluminum rose after Thursday’s steep losses, following US and Israeli moves easing Middle East conflict fears. Netanyahu pledged Israeli forces would avoid energy targets, and Trump ruled out ground troops in Iran. Metals markets have been

2026-03-20

Copper and aluminum rose after Thursday’s steep losses, following US and Israeli moves easing Middle East conflict fears. Netanyahu pledged Israeli forces would avoid energy targets, and Trump ruled out ground troops in Iran. Metals markets have been shaken by potential Gulf supply disruptions, particularly in aluminum, while demand concerns dominate. Rising oil and gas prices threaten global manufacturing, fuel inflation, and could prompt tighter central bank policies. Traders are now watching crude prices, which eased Friday, amid pre-war questions over metals prices versus demand.