Copper Prices Soar as Trump Announces New Tariffs; Markets Mixed Ahead of Earnings Season

U.S. copper prices surged to a record high on Tuesday after President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on imported copper, intensifying global trade tensions. Trump also warned of upcoming tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. U.S. Comex copper futures spiked over 12%, highlighting the metal’s strategic importance in electric vehicles, military hardware, and infrastructure. Copper miner Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) rose 2.5% in response.

In letters to 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea, Trump confirmed sweeping tariffs would take effect August 1. While he noted progress with the EU and China, he hinted that a new tariff letter to the EU was imminent. Stocks, which sold off on Monday, were relatively stable Tuesday, as investors awaited second-quarter earnings reports. Analysts from BofA and Goldman Sachs raised their S&P 500 year-end targets, citing solid corporate earnings.

The Dow Jones slipped 0.37% to 44,240.76, the S&P 500 dipped 0.07% to 6,225.52, and the Nasdaq inched up 0.03% to 20,418.46. The MSCI world index fell slightly, while Europe’s STOXX 600 gained 0.41%.

The Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, due Wednesday, may offer insight on potential rate cuts. U.S. Treasury yields rose, with the 10-year yield climbing to 4.417%. However, demand was weak for a $58 billion three-year note auction. Additional bond sales are scheduled for later this week.

Currency markets saw the yen slide against the dollar and euro, while the Australian dollar gained after the RBA held interest rates steady. Oil prices edged up, with U.S. crude at $68.33 and Brent at $70.15. Spot gold fell 1.05% to $3,300.32 per ounce.