Recently, the trend in copper prices has really been worth paying attention to. From the end of last year to now, copper prices have been oscillating around $12,000, with an increase of over 50%, but many people still haven't fully understood what's behind this.

Why is copper so popular? Simply put, it's one word—electrification. Electric vehicle sales surged by 30% last year, with each EV using four times more copper than traditional fuel vehicles. AI data centers are even more extreme; a single large center requires thousands of tons of copper for cooling and power distribution. Plus, the global rush to install solar, wind power, and upgrade power grids has caused demand to skyrocket. But what about supply? Major producing countries like Chile and Peru have been reducing output, and developing new mines takes 15 to 20 years to bring online, creating a persistent supply gap.

What do institutions think? JP Morgan estimates that the average copper price will stay above $12,500 in 2026, with Goldman Sachs even more aggressive, predicting it could hit $15,000 in the next 12 months. UBS says the supply gap could exceed 400k tons, all pointing to one thing—copper bull market may just be beginning. You should know, over the past 100 years, copper has experienced three super cycles, each with over tenfold increases. Many now believe the fourth cycle has already started, driven by green energy and AI.

Of course, copper prices are not a straight line upward. There will likely be corrections of 20-40% along the way, especially if US tariffs are implemented, the Fed turns hawkish, or the global economy slows down. In the short term, expectations of tariffs under Trump 2.0 are pushing prices higher, with traders hoarding copper, and this speculative behavior is amplifying volatility.

For those wanting to participate, futures have high barriers—expiration dates, complex contracts—making it easy for beginners to get caught. CFDs are much more flexible—they allow two-way trading, 24-hour trading, no expiration date, and lower margin requirements. These products are especially suitable for those who want to grasp copper price movements without overcomplicating things.

Overall, if green energy transformation and AI infrastructure truly accelerate, the structural demand for copper in the coming years is real. But don’t forget, any commodity investment carries risks, and short-term volatility can be intense. If you want to participate easily, choosing a reputable platform is crucial—at least one with strict regulation and negative balance protection. The current market is indeed worth paying attention to, but make sure to think carefully about your risk tolerance before entering.