1000 GMT - Copper prices tick lower in midmorning trade, with futures on the London Metal Exchange down 0.1% to $12,832 a metric ton. The metal is consolidating after a two-month rally fueled by speculative buying, while relatively lackluster economic data from top consumer China and a steady buildup in inventories have weighed on sentiment, according to ANZ. "Data released yesterday show readily available inventories of copper in warehouses tracked by the LME have risen for the 27th consecutive day, the longest streak since 2009," analysts at the firm say. The outlook for U.S. interest-rate cuts is also key, with traders awaiting more cues on the Federal Reserve's next move. (giulia.petroni@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 20, 2026 05:01 ET (10:01 GMT)
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