The copper futures market this week hit an 11-month high on reports that many of China’s copper smelting plants are cutting back production. The important red industrial metal is closely watched by many veteran traders and its nickname is “Dr. Copper” because the metal can be an early indicator of global economic health. Copper prices are trending higher and that’s a good sign for the entire raw commodity sector, and for global stock markets. Stay tuned!—Jim Wyckoff