Copper prices

[Don Black]

This morning, after a leisurely session of turning money into noise out on the 600 yard range, we (a group of retired old farts) were sitting under fans at the clubhouse, solving most of the world problems in order of their importance.
The discussion eventually turned to the ever increasing cost of reloading supplies, especially bullets. It was suggested that the manufacturers are laying it off to the cost of raw materials, like copper & lead.
That got me thinking.
Copper closed today at $3.3835/lb. on the New York mercantile Exchange.
That’s actually a little lower than it was about 25 years ago, when I was trading in its futures options.
I haven’t followed lead prices, but I doubt it to be significantly different.
Compare the cost of bullets today to what you paid 25 years ago.
I’m sure there are a few here who’ve been around that long.
Kinda make you wonder, dun’t it?

 

[Queequeg]

Re: Copper prices

I have to figure the price of oil has a significant impact on the price of anything requiring transportation. It is certainly more expensive than 25 years ago.

Additionally, the increasing costs of liability insurance have also had an impact.

The price of Copper, lead, antimony, Brass, and other component metals may also be shown to be less elastic due to the increase in global manufacturing.

Just some random thoughts.

 

[RADcustom]

Re: Copper prices

You neglected to mention the value of the US dollar becoming less and less valuable.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Copper prices

This...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RADcustom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You neglected to mention the value of the US dollar becoming less and less valuable.</div></div>

Add to that the cost of shipping (fuel has doubled - tripled in the last 12 years) from the refinery to the producer to the wholesaler to the dealer to you... It all adds up.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: Copper prices

In 25 years:

From $12.00 to $36.00 for a box of 100ct .308 dia. 168 smkhp.

From $18.00 to $95.97/barrel for West Texas Intermediate, today.

From @$300.00 to $1667.89/oz. for bullion, today.

Higher costs of raw metals and manufacturing contributed, I would think, but the producers have exaggerated these factors, and the rest is gouging.

 

[Don Black]

Re: Copper prices

"Raw metals in increased manufacturing costs contributed, I would think, but the producers have exaggerated these factors and the rest is <span style="color: #CC0000">gouging</span>."

That's the way I see it.