[Copper Prices Rise as Investors Weigh Fed Rate Cut Prospects Ahead of Inflation Data Release] Jin10 News, December 17 – Investors are awaiting U.S. inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve's stance on further rate cuts. On Wednesday, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose by as much as 0.9%. Several Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak publicly, with Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stating that he expects strong economic growth in 2026 and further rate cuts. Copper prices have already risen by more than 30% this year following a series of mine disruptions that reduced supply. The market continues to find support from resilient demand related to electrification and grid investment, which keeps underlying sentiment constructive. However, copper prices have been volatile since hitting a record high of nearly $12,000 per ton last Friday. This week’s uneven performance highlights the market's susceptibility to shifts in sentiment, including cooling optimism around artificial intelligence or economic data, which could dampen broader risk appetite.