Weekly Metals Market Report: Week Commencing 2nd November 2026

A quieter, softer week on the London Metal Exchange. Copper slipped for the third week running, lead handed back part of last week’s jump, and aluminium held steady after its bounce.

Copper

LME copper fell about 1.0% on the week, following a 0.9% drop the week before and a 1.8% fall before that. That’s three weekly declines in a row. The move is small, but it’s a steady drift lower rather than a one-off dip. For background on what’s weighing on the market, see our analysis of the US copper stockpile.

Aluminium (HG)

LME aluminium finished the week flat, at 0.0%. After ending three weekly falls with a 1.8% gain last week, it has held that bounce rather than extending it. Neither a new rally nor a reversal, just a pause.

Lead

LME lead fell about 1.4%, giving back a good part of last week’s 2.2% rise. It was the biggest mover of the three, and a reminder that a strong week doesn’t always carry through.

What does it mean for trade sellers?

Three weeks of gentle copper declines aren’t a crash, but they’re worth knowing about if you’re sitting on a pile. Equally, one good or bad week doesn’t make a trend, and aluminium’s pause shows how quickly the picture can flatten out.

What matters more for your load is who’s bidding on it. The price you’re offered depends on the buyers in your area and what they need, not just the LME headline, and the more buyers who see your scrap, the better the chance one of them wants it badly. You can list on ScrapBays for free, and let buyers quote their best price.

Sources: London Metal Exchange official prices