How to Trade Copper Futures

As one of the most popular industrial metals, copper has cemented its place in the commodity world as a prime trading instrument for many. The metal is used in everything from circuit boards to plumbing to brakes, and even makes an appearance in the Statue of Liberty (copper makes up 80 tons of Lady Liberty).

For those looking to dabble in copper futures, there are a number of options available. Below, we outline strategies for trading copper futures as well as a few other products that offer similar exposure.

The Exchanges

Those looking to invest in futures will need to decide which exchanges they would like to utilize.

Commodity Exchange: The COMEX, a member of the CME Group, offers exposure to a number of commodities with a focus on metals, including copper. The standard copper contract represents 25,000 pounds of the metal, while the mini-copper futures, intended for those with lower capital bases, are made up of 12,500 pounds of copper. One benefit to these contracts is that they trade Sunday to Friday between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m (CST), meaning that investors can make a play for approximately 23 hours every day (there is a 45-minute break period between each day).

London Metal Exchange: The LME is also a big player for copper and is a good bet for those seeking to move beyond U.S. exposure. In fact, the copper contracts on the LME are the second most popular futures option available. Standard futures are representative of 25 tons, though there are also swaps and options available [see also 13 Ways To Invest In Copper].

Multi-Commodity Exchange: The MCX offers two popular options for copper; both a standard and mini contract. Standard contracts fall during the months of February, April, June, August, and November with contracts representing 1 MT. Mini contracts are available as launched and are made up of 250 kilograms of the industrial metal. Note that this exchange is based in India, so it will be another good option for those looking for a more global play on the commodity.

Common Copper Trading Strategies

As far as futures contracts are concerned, playing copper is going to require a considerable amount of attention and should be left to only the most active of traders. Neglecting your position for even an hour can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of your investment. Copper’s big price drivers are the construction industry as well as the overall health of emerging markets, so keep a close eye on the news. Finally, it is important to remember that as a primary trading instrument, developing trends in markets, and how the majority of traders are behaving, can also skew copper prices. Remember, the trend is your friend [see also What Are Futures? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide].

For those who choose to shy away from actual futures contracts themselves, there are still options available for trading. Perhaps the best alternative to outright owning the contracts is to utilize the DJ-UBS Copper Total Return Sub-Index ETN (JJC), which tracks front-month copper futures. Note that even if JJC’s volume is low, ETNs can undergo the process of creation whereby new shares are put onto market, meaning that there will never be a liquidity issue.