Copper prices are climbing sharply, gaining about 9% since the Iran-related tensions, as markets brace for both geopolitics-driven volatility and a deeper structural supply shortage. Investors are also betting on AI-linked electrification demand that requires more copper per project. With new mines taking years to scale and underinvestment lingering, traders warn the shortage could persist and push prices higher.
Copper has surged to fresh record levels globally, including a rise on India’s MCX, as supply disruptions collide with growing demand from electrification and AI-linked industries. Analysts point to tightening supply chains and geopolitical tensions as major catalysts. Even after a pullback, they argue technical strength plus supportive fundamentals may keep the bullish trend intact, making recent declines tempting for investors.
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Micron shares surged 14% to fresh highs around $742 after a major semiconductor rally in 2026. The move signals more than earnings: AI data centers are driving heavy demand for DRAM, HBM, and NAND, turning memory chips from cyclical commodities into core digital infrastructure. Investors increasingly view MU as a linchpin for AI, cloud, and next-gen servers.
SanDisk says its latest quarter benefited from the AI boom, driving a sharp jump in revenue and profit. The company also locked in long-term contracts worth at least $42 billion, aiming to protect margins from volatile pricing. Adding to the upbeat outlook, SanDisk plans a major $6 billion share buyback program.
Samsung Electronics says it will prioritize high-value memory—especially high-bandwidth memory (HBM)—and server chips, citing sustained supply shortages fueled by the AI boom. With demand for data-hungry applications continuing to strain availability, the company is repositioning its product focus toward components expected to stay scarce and in high demand.
Alphabet’s cloud unit delivered a major upside, with revenue jumping 63% to $20 billion and beating estimates as enterprises splurged on AI infrastructure. The company’s overall results also topped forecasts, aided by a near-doubling cloud backlog. Analysts point to Gemini momentum and Apple partnership as Alphabet pushes deeper into the AI race.
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Taiwan’s stock market has overtaken Canada to become the world’s sixth largest, fueled by booming demand for AI-linked shares and a steep surge in TSMC. Taiwan-listed firms’ market cap jumped more than 35% to $4.47 trillion, slightly ahead of Canada’s 5% rise. TSMC’s strength is so large it represents nearly 45% of the benchmark index.
Copper prices are hovering near record highs, powered by AI-driven data centre demand, accelerating electrification, tight mine supply and geopolitical disruptions. After a pullback from recent peaks, prices are consolidating at elevated levels. Market analysts say structural demand from EVs, renewables and infrastructure should keep the long-term outlook bullish even as short-term volatility continues.
Asian stocks rebounded in early trading as reports said Iran may attend US peace talks in Pakistan, easing geopolitical worries. South Korea’s Kospi hit a record high, while Japan’s Nikkei climbed. Brent crude eased to $95.09. Investors also turned cautious ahead of a key US Federal Reserve confirmation hearing featuring Kevin Warsh.
Digital Realty Trust raised its annual core funds from operations and revenue forecasts, citing sustained strength in demand for data center services. The company linked the momentum to the accelerating AI boom, which is increasing requirements for computing power and capacity. The update suggests operators are adjusting plans as hyperscaler and enterprise demand stays firm.
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