IDEAL TIMING FOR PEEL

Rio Tinto Ltd (LSE:RIO, ASX:RIO, OTC:RTNTF) is one of JPMorgan’s top picks in the copper sector, as the investment bank doubled down on its bullish outlook for the red metal in 2025.In a fresh research note, analysts said they expect global copper supply to fall short of demand starting next year, with the deficit widening significantly by the end of the decade.For UK investors, that makes Rio a standout. The bank points to Rio’s projected 30% growth in copper production by 2028, along with a valuation that looks cheap compared to rivals.Copper prices have been on a tear this year. In London, the benchmark price has risen 15% so far to around $10,000 a tonne, while in the US it’s up 25% on worries about new import tariffs.JPM says China is playing a big role too, with stronger-than-expected growth and a fresh round of stimulus that could boost demand for industrial metals like copper.Copper is a crucial material used in everything from power cables to electric vehicles and wind turbines. So when demand rises and supply can’t keep up, prices usually climb - and mining shares often go with them.The Wall Street investment bank remains “overweight” on the entire copper sector, meaning it expects the stocks to outperform the broader market.Alongside Rio, its preferred names in Europe, the Middle East and Africa include Antofagasta PLC (LSE:ANTO), which it praises for its growth pipeline, and Sweden’s Lundin Mining, seen as attractively priced.JPM also highlights Freeport and Teck Resources in the Americas and Zijin, Capstone and Merdeka Copper in Asia Pacific, as the global copper story gathers pace.
SO THIS IS THE CATALYST FOR BEST RETURNS!
Sarg