Jun 17, 2024
As electric vehicle charging stations proliferate across America to boost EV adoption, criminals have found ways to exploit these new installations.
On May 12, Josh Beckler from Vallejo, California, arrived at the Tesla Supercharging station behind a Target store to charge his EV, only to discover that the cables had been cut from nine of the charging stations.
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“It most likely happened in the night, and we found it early morning,” Beckler told NBC Bay Area. “I’m pretty sure [the thieves] racked up… almost 20 cables with the nozzles.”
The outlet noted that these charging cables contain copper, which can be sold to scrappers for an average of $4.48 per pound (as of June 2024).
Whether it's a sign of desperate times or a crime of opportunity, copper is not just a target for thieves; it can also be a strategic asset for savvy investors.
Here’s a look at three legitimate ways to add copper to your portfolio.
Copper stocks
When copper prices increase, companies that engage in copper mining and production often experience significant financial benefits. Investing in copper mining stocks allows investors to tap into the profitability and growth of these companies as they extract and sell copper.
Major players in the industry, such as Rio Tinto (RIO), Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO), can be sensitive to copper price fluctuations. As the price of copper rises, these companies typically see higher revenues and improved profit margins, which can lead to increased stock prices and potentially higher dividends for shareholders.
It's important to note, however, that many copper miners also mine other metals such as gold, silver and molybdenum. This diversification can affect the stock's performance, as the prices of these additional metals also play a role in the company's overall profitability.
Additionally, each company is different, so investors should conduct thorough research and consider factors such as production costs, geopolitical risks, and overall market conditions before making a decision.
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Copper ETFs
For those who prefer not to pick individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a convenient way to gain exposure to the red metal.
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There are ETFs that invest in shares of companies involved in the copper mining and production industry. They provide indirect exposure to copper by leveraging the profitability and growth of these companies.
These funds offer diversification within the copper sector by spreading investments across multiple companies. Notable examples include the Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) and the iShares Copper and Metals Mining ETF (ICOP).
There are also ETFs that are designed to track the performance of copper itself, often by using futures contracts. These ETFs aim to mirror the price movements of copper, providing investors with a direct way to benefit from fluctuations in the metal's market value. A good starting point for further research is the United States Copper Index Fund (CPER).
Copper futures
Investing in copper futures offers a direct and leveraged way to gain exposure to the copper market, but it's important to note that this approach may not be suitable for everyone, especially novice investors.
Copper futures contracts allow investors to buy or sell a specific amount of copper at a predetermined price on a future date. This method can provide substantial returns due to its high leverage, meaning that even small price movements can result in significant profits or losses.
However, this same leverage also makes copper futures highly volatile and risky. Trading copper futures requires a more sophisticated understanding of the market and can be more volatile than other investment options. Additionally, trading futures involves mechanisms like margin requirements and potential margin calls, which can be challenging for inexperienced investors to manage.
Ultimately, finding the right copper investment — or any investment —depends on your goals, knowledge, risk tolerance, and financial situation.
If you're unsure of the best course of action, consulting a professional financial advisor could be a smart move. They can help you evaluate your unique circumstances and navigate the complexities of the market to ensure your investments align with your financial objectives.
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Jing is an investment reporter for MoneyWise. He is an avid advocate of investing for passive income. Despite the ups and downs he’s been through with the markets, Jing believes that you can generate a steadily increasing income stream by investing in high quality companies.
