Doctor Copper: Definition, Theory, Use as an Indicator

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James Chen
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James Chen, CMT is an expert trader, investment adviser, and global market strategist.

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Updated September 30, 2022
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Khadija Khartit
Khadija Khartit
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Khadija Khartit is a strategy, investment, and funding expert, and an educator of fintech and strategic finance in top universities. She has been an investor, entrepreneur, and advisor for more than 25 years. She is a FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 license holder.
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Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, coordinated, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues and has also revised and edited educational materials for the Greater Richmond area.
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What Is Doctor Copper?

The term Doctor Copper is market lingo for this base metal that is reputed to have a "Ph.D. in economics" because of its ability to predict turning points in the global economy. Because of copper's widespread applications in most sectors of the economy—from homes and factories to electronics and power generation and transmission—demand for copper is often viewed as a reliable leading indicator of economic health. This demand is reflected in the market price of copper.

Key Takeaways

  • Doctor Copper is insider lingo used in the commodities markets to explain price trends in copper's ability to predict the overall health of an economy.
  • This is due to copper being a fundamental raw material used as inputs in many industries and products.
  • Generally, rising copper prices suggest strong copper demand and, hence, a growing global economy
  • When copper prices decline it may indicate sluggish demand and an imminent economic slowdown.

Understanding Doctor Copper

Doctor Copper, which is in fact a concept rather than a person, is often cited by market and commodity analysts as having a strong ability to assess overall economic well-being through the price of copper because of the metal's wide-ranging application in construction, electrical equipment, and transportation. The percentage of global copper production consumed by each sector is estimated by the Copper Development Association (CDA) to be around 46% building construction, 21% electrical, and about 16% for transportation with the last 17% used in consumer products and industrial machinery/equipment.

This makes copper prices a good leading indicator of the economic cycle. For example, if orders for copper are being canceled or delayed, the price will drop. This can be a leading indicator that an economic recession is at hand. Conversely, if orders for copper are rising, the price will go up. This can be a leading indicator that industrial jobs are increasing and the economy remains healthy.

Research by the CME Group published in 2022 examined the correlation between copper prices and a number of measures of global economic activity. The statistical analysis shows a strong correlation between copper prices and the global economy (particularly China) as well as oil and gold/silver prices.

The Limitations of Doctor Copper

Investors are cautioned that Doctor Copper is not infallible and should not be relied upon as the only indicator of economic health. For example, a temporary shortage of copper may lead to rising prices even as the global economy is slowing down; conversely, a copper glut may cause lower prices despite robust economic growth.

Other factors that can artificially influence the price of copper are things such as trade tariffs. In 2018, the United States introduced 25% tariffs on steel imports and 10% tariffs on aluminum imports. While these tariffs have not yet extended to copper, doing so can artificially influence the price of copper. This tax levy would make copper a less reliable indicator of global economic health.

Article Sources
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  1. Copper Development Association. "Annual Data 2021: Copper Supply & Consumption 2000–2020," Page 18.

  2. CME Group. "A Curious Case of Dr. Copper."

  3. Congressional Research Service. "What’s in the New U.S.-EU Steel and Aluminum Deal?," Page 1.

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