Doctor Copper

Filed Under » , ,
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Doctor Copper'

Market lingo for the base metal that is reputed to have a Ph.D. in economics because of its ability to predict turning points in the global economy. Because of copper's widespread applications in most sectors of the economy - from homes and factories, to electronics and power generation and transmission - demand for copper is often viewed as a reliable leading indicator of economic health. This demand is reflected in the market price of copper. Generally, rising copper prices suggest strong copper demand and hence a growing global economy, while declining copper prices may indicate sluggish demand and an imminent economic slowdown.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Doctor Copper'

Investors are cautioned that Doctor Copper is not infallible, and should not be relied upon as the only indicator of economic health. For example, a temporary shortage of copper may lead to rising prices even as the global economy is slowing down; conversely, a copper glut may cause lower prices despite robust economic growth.

Articles Of Interest

  1.

    Investing In The Metals Markets

    Learn the many options available for investing in the earth's chemical elements, such as gold, silver and rare-earth metals.

  2. Using Base Metals As An Economic Indicator

    Base metals may not glitter like gold, but they can still guide an investor to a conclusion about overall economic health.

  3. The Copper King: An Empire Built On Manipulation

    Find out how Yasuo Hamanaka's actions in the copper market forever changed the rules for commodity traders.

  4. Who is Mr. Copper?

    A sense of mystery still surrounds Yasuo Hamanaka, a.k.a. Mr. Copper, and the magnitude of his losses. From his perch at the head of Sumitomo's metal trading division, Hamanaka controlled 5% ...

  5. Is The Gold Pain Over?

    After falling more than 13%, gold has staged a rebound but is that for fundamental reasons or the work of value investors? Will gold reward investors who didn't give up or is there more pain ...

  6. Uncovering Oil And Gas Futures

    Find out how to stay on top of data reports that could cause volatility in oil and gas markets.

  7. What Is Wrong With Gold?

    Despite its historic and symbolic appeal, this metal is simply a commodity. Here we explore its meaning as an investment.

  8. The Most Affordable Precious Metals ETFs

    Precious metals ETFs invest in both physical commodities and futures contracts for precious metals.

  9. Playing Blue Gold's Rise

    While natural resource investing has exploded in recent years, many portfolios have little to no exposure to water. Find out why they call water "blue gold."

  10. Most Affordable Commodity ETFs

    Here are the most affordable commodity ETFs based on expense ratios.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Yield Elbow

    The point on the yield curve indicating the year in which the economy's highest interest rates occur. The yield elbow is the peak of the yield curve, signifying where the highest interest rates occurred.

  2. Xenocurrency

    A currency that trades in markets outside of its domestic borders.

  3. Wanton Disregard

    A standard of severe negligence. Wanton disregard is a very serious accusation that indicates that a person behaved extremely recklessly.

  4. Ultra ETF

    A class of exchange-traded funds (ETF) that employs leverage in an effort to achieve double the return of a set benchmark.

  5. Toehold Purchase

    A purchase of less than 5% of a target company's outstanding stockmade by an acquiring company. A toehold purchase of just under 5%, while not a significant stake in a firm, allows the shareholders a "toe-holds" grip on the company and its decision making.

  6. Samurai Bond

    A yen-denominated bond issued in Tokyo by a non-Japanese company and subject to Japanese regulations.
Trading Center
http://sp.fastclick.net/ad/tr/10858-64082-15546-0?mpt=4230a93b5e3e60dd664332205d02b874