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.