Aluminum fell to its lowest since mid-February as a stronger USD and easing
Middle East tensions weighed on industrial metals. After a 16% drop in June —
the largest single‑month fall since 2008 — losses extended. Cooling in the
Middle East reduced supply concerns from a region that accounts for about 10% of
global output; that squeeze had driven a March–May rally. The USD index rose for
a second day and is up roughly 2.5% over two months, partly reflecting a firmer
Fed stance and raising dollar‑priced commodity costs for most buyers.
