Gold had a historic run last year and silver soared 210%, but now it looks like copper, up 35% in 2025 to $11,771 per metric ton, is the next metal to watch.

It’s a classic case of supply and demand. Analysts predict a shortfall of 150,000 tonnes in global copper supply by 2025 (1).

Meanwhile, demand for copper, which is used in power grids and everything from computers to light switches and washing machines, is insatiable.

Mining behemoth BHP predicts that data center growth worldwide will increase demand for copper sixfold by 2050. Developing economies will add to this demand as their living standards improve (2).

Reuters reports that the world’s first physical-backed copper ETF, launched by Canada’s Sprott Asset Management in 2024, is up nearly 46% in price in 2025 (3). This tracks the performance of gold, with values ​​expected to rise more than 60% by 2025.

So what’s next for this metal in 2026, and how should average investors respond to this latest market trend?

In the US, people have started stockpiling copper, fearing that it could be subject to tariffs in mid-2026.

This increases supply challenges and increases the price.

Analysts track copper as an economic indicator as it reflects investor sentiment about the performance of the US market.

Gold had a historic year in 2025 precisely because investors feared what tariffs, global tensions and other difficult economic conditions could do to the stock market.

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“Gold has hit new all-time highs in its brilliant bull run,” said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club. BBC in January (4).

“The precious metal has even more appeal as a safe haven as concerns spread about the fallout from aggressive US trade and geopolitical policies.”

Copper, like silver and gold, is increasingly seen as a safe-haven asset.

In an interview with ReutersDaan de Jonge, an analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, suggested that investors interested in AI consider investing in copper-related ETFs.

But throwing all your money into copper may not be wise, as rising prices may not last. In fact, Goldman Sachs predicts that copper prices will fall in 2026 (5).

As with any investment, trying to beat the market is difficult, even for professionals. The average investor should stick to index funds and other types of diversified investing over individual stocks or investing heavily in single commodities.

However, if you’re determined to turn copper into a gold mine, buying ETFs like de Jonge suggests or investing in mining companies that have a portfolio of assets including copper mines may be a safer bet.

Your portfolio deserves sustainable growth, not instant results.

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CNBC (1); BHP (2); Reuters (3); BBC (4); Goldman Sachs (5)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without any warranty.