Copper steps out of the shadow of gold and silver in this wide‑ranging conversation with StoneX’s Natalie Scott Gray and SummerHaven’s Kurt Nelson. Jeff digs into why “Dr. Copper” sits at the heart of electrification, AI data centers, EVs, and defense, and how underinvestment in mines, fragile supply chains from Chile to the DRC, and China’s smelting dominance are setting the stage for structural shortages. Natalie breaks down the real fundamentals: tariffs, sulfuric acid bottlenecks, strategic stockpiling, and the difference between visible and hidden inventories, while Kurt connects it all to macro, inflation, and why investors may be underestimating copper versus the miners. Along the way, they hit on rare earths, environmental trade‑offs, and what rising retail interest in copper bars might signal about the next phase of the metals trade. SEND IT!
Chapters:
00:00-01:16=Intro
01:17–04:58 = Natalie & Kurt: From Chemistry Labs to Copper Markets
04:59–14:09 = What Makes “Dr. Copper” Special? Conductivity, AI, EVs & the Grid
14:10–26:41 = Inside the Copper Supply Machine: Mines, Smelters & China’s Grip
26:42–39:34 = Tariffs, Trade Wars & Regional Shortages: How Policy Moves Copper
39:35–56:19 = Structural Deficits, Sulfur Shocks & the Coming Copper Crunch
56:20–1:03:09 = Investing in Copper: Futures vs. Miners, Inflation & Retail FOMO
1:03:10–1:08:43 = Copper Bars, Lab-Grown Diamonds & Restaurant Recs
Blog Post: The Hardest Trade Is Holding the Thing That Doesn’t Hug You Back
Podcast episode: Unlocking the Commodity Risk Premium with Kurt Nelson of SummerHaven
Follow along on LinkedIn with Kurt Nelson & Natalie Scott-Gray and be sure to check out summerhavenindex.com and stonex.com for more information!
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Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visitwww.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer