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In the world of commodities, gold and silver have long been the stars, serving as safe-haven assets during economic uncertainty and inflation. As of February 2026, gold has surged 74% year-over-year to around $5,109 per ounce, while silver has skyrocketed 160% to $84.57 per ounce.
Copper, often dubbed "Dr. Copper" for its ability to gauge economic health, is now drawing attention as prices hover near $5.87 per pound, up 29% from last year and approaching its all-time high of $6.58 set in January 2026.
With gold and silver at record levels, investors are asking: Could copper be the next big play?This article explores the factors driving copper's potential, its performance relative to precious metals, expert forecasts, and the risks involved.
The Case for Copper: Surging Demand in a Green Economy
Unlike gold and silver, which are primarily monetary metals, copper is an industrial powerhouse essential for electrical conductivity. Its demand is exploding due to the global shift toward electrification and renewable energy.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): An EV requires 3-4 times more copper than a traditional gasoline car—up to 80 kg per vehicle, including wiring, motors, and batteries.thundersaidenergy.com With EV sales projected to grow, copper demand from transportation could rise significantly. By 2032, EVs and hybrids are expected to account for 56% of copper demand from wire harnesses, up from 20% in 2022.Renewables and Grid Expansion: Solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems are copper-intensive. Offshore wind farms, for instance, use up to 8 times more copper per megawatt than traditional power plants. Global power grid expansion, driven by renewables and AI data centers, is fueling additional demand. Data centers alone could require 27-33 tons of copper per megawatt, with AI infrastructure pushing total copper needs to new heights. Overall, global copper demand is forecast to jump from 28 million metric tons (MT) in 2025 to 42 MT by 2040—a 50% increase—driven by core economic growth, energy transition, AI, and defense modernization.Experts like those at S&P Global warn of a potential 10 MT supply shortfall without major expansions.
Copper's Performance: How It Stacks Up Against Gold and Silver

Historically, copper has lagged behind gold and silver in bull markets, but recent trends suggest a shift. In 2025, silver outperformed gold with a 140% gain, while copper rose 35%.This year, copper has hit record highs alongside gold and silver for the first time in 45 years, signaling strong industrial demand amid precious metals' safe-haven rally.
The copper-to-gold ratio, a key economic indicator, shows copper becoming relatively more valuable as industrial activity picks up.Similarly, the copper-silver ratio has remained in a historical range, but with silver's dual industrial/monetary role, copper could close the gap if demand surges.
In 2026, some analysts predict copper could outperform both, with forecasts of 4 reasons why: structural deficits, AI-driven needs, and limited supply growh,see copper's setup as "even more powerful than silver," citing physical premiums and long mine lead times
Expert Forecasts and Market Trends
Analysts are bullish. Goldman Sachs expects copper to average $11,000 per tonne by year-end 2026, down from early highs but still elevated. J.P. Morgan forecasts $12,075/tonne for the full year, with a 330 kt deficit. Deutsche Bank sees peaks at $13,000/tonne in Q2.
Supply-side issues amplify this: Mine production grows only 0.9% in 2026 amid deficits of 150-590 kt.Declining ore grades (from 1.2% to <0.6% over 25 years) and discovery rates down 70% since the 1990s mean new mines take 7-10 years to develop.
Family offices are cashing in on metals gains, reducing holdings after surges, but long-term demand remains intact.
Risks and Considerations
Copper isn't without hurdles. High prices could dampen demand, boost scrap supply, or lead to surpluses (Goldman Sachs ups its 2026 surplus to 300 kt).US tariffs, rising inventories (over 1 million tons globally), and a stronger dollar pressure prices. Economic slowdowns in China could hurt, though strategic stockpiling there and in the US supports tightness.
How to Invest in Copper
For those interested, options include:
🔸Stocks: Miners like Ero Copper (ERO), BHP Group (BHP), Rio Tinto (RIO), and Southern Copper (SCCO) could benefit.
🔸ETFs: Funds tracking copper futures or miners.
🔸Physical: Some advocate allocated physical copper for pure exposure, avoiding management risks in stocks.
Always consult professionals; commodities are volatile.
Conclusion: A Red-Hot Opportunity?
Copper's fundamentals—driven by EVs, renewables, and AI—position it for potential outperformance after gold and silver's runs. With deficits looming and demand set to surge, it could indeed be the next big investment. However, supply responses and macro risks warrant caution. As one expert notes, copper is "quietly becoming the next big thing" in a future powered by electrification.Investors eyeing the metal should watch for sustained economic growth to unlock its full potential.

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