AI-driven sell-off in Asian tech stocks has weakened demand prospects for
data-center construction and PCB soldering, sending copper, tin and other
industrial metals lower. Tin has tumbled about 10% quarter-to-date, the weakest
of the six LME base metals. Copper briefly rallied on Monday after oil prices
eased. Signals from the US and Iran that they are willing to pursue peace talks
eased some war-related rate and growth fears, but analysts say macro pressure on
metals remains and conflict risk could resurface after the US midterm elections.
