Copper Price Per Pound Today
Track the live copper price per pound in USD. Real-time COMEX HG futures data with interactive charts, scrap copper benchmarks, and economic analysis.
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Understanding the Copper Price Per Pound
COMEX copper futures (HG) are quoted in US cents per pound, with each contract representing 25,000 pounds. Copper is called "Dr. Copper" because its price movements are considered a barometer of global economic health, and the metal faces a growing structural supply deficit driven by electrification and EV demand.
- COMEX symbol HG, quoted in US cents per pound (e.g., 450.00 = $4.50/lb)
- Each HG futures contract represents 25,000 pounds of copper
- Major producers: Chile (27%), Peru (10%), Congo (10%), China (8%)
- Scrap copper supplies ~35% of global demand at a discount to spot
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the copper price per pound today?
The copper price per pound changes continuously during COMEX trading hours. Visit our live copper chart for real-time HG futures prices. COMEX quotes copper in US cents per pound — divide by 100 to get the dollar price.
Why is copper called 'Dr. Copper'?
Copper earned the nickname 'Dr. Copper' because its price is considered a reliable diagnostic tool for economic health. Since copper is used across virtually every industry, its price movements often foreshadow broader economic trends before they appear in official data.
What drives copper prices?
Copper prices are driven by global economic growth (especially China), construction activity, electrification trends, EV adoption, mine supply disruptions, exchange inventory levels, the US dollar, and speculative positioning.
What is scrap copper worth per pound?
Scrap copper prices depend on grade. Bare bright copper wire sells for 90-95% of COMEX spot. #1 copper (clean pipe/tubing) trades at 85-92%, #2 copper (mixed/soldered) at 75-85%. Insulated copper wire varies based on copper recovery content.