The red metal is often called Dr. Copper, because it has a Ph.D. in economics. Copper seemingly knows before anyone else that the economy is headed into a recession. If that’s true, copper isn’t signaling a rosy forecast today.
Take a look at our chart of the price of copper. Futures for the 1-month contract have been declining since a peak in February of 2011. The price has oscillated, but its peaks keep getting lower. Investors have been content to put a bottom on the price near $3.30/lb., but now prices are edging down once again. A drop below $3.30 could signal a coming recession.
