Copper markets are having a moment, not the calm, predictable kind.
A mix of extreme weather, geopolitics, and booming demand is tightening global supply, pushing prices toward record territory and keeping traders on edge.


Copper rally heats up on supply shocks

Anti-government protests have erupted across Chile, with demonstrators clashing with police in scenes of significant unrest. Security forces deployed crowd-control measures as tensions escalated on the streets, highlighting growing public anger over political and economic issues facing the country

Massive Unrest In Chile: Protesters Clash Violently With Police

Anti-government protests have broken out in Chile following President Gabriel Boric's latest State of the Nation address. Demonstrators took to the streets as police deployed water cannons to disperse crowds amid growing public anger over key political and economic issues. The unrest highlights continuing tensions between the government and opposition groups.

Chile Protests Erupt After President's State Of The Nation Address | WION

Chile’s capital, Santiago, has been engulfed by a thick blanket of smog, forcing authorities to declare an environmental pre-emergency amid growing health concerns.


Santiago Air Pollution: Smog Chokes Chile’s Capital 

Chile is witnessing large-scale student protests as thousands march toward the presidential palace in Santiago, expressing concern over proposed budget cuts that they fear could impact the school meals programme. Demonstrators say the plan threatens essential support for low-income students, while the government insists that the food programme is not at risk. The protests highlight growing tensions over education funding and social welfare priorities in the country.


Chile Protest: Student Protests Erupt in Chile Over Budget Cut Fears in School Meal Program 

Mass student protests have erupted across Chile against President Jose Antonio Kast’s proposed austerity measures and planned education budget cuts. Demonstrators flooded the streets of Santiago, with clashes breaking out between students and police during tense confrontations. Protesters say the proposed reductions threaten access to quality education and could deepen inequality. The unrest has intensified political pressure on the government amid growing public frustration over economic policies.


Chile Protests: Mass Protests Erupt in Chile Against Jose Antonio Kast's Austerity Plan 

The United States has accused “foreign malicious actors” of hacking Chilean systems, prompting the cancellation of visas for three Chilean officials. The cyberattacks targeted telecommunications companies and a construction firm, raising concerns over the security of shared data between the two countries. U.S. authorities warned that the lack of preventive measures from Chilean authorities has heightened Washington’s scrutiny of information-sharing agreements and bilateral relations.

US Alleges Foreign Hack Targeted Chile, Cancels Officials’ Visas 

The United States has revoked the visas of three Chilean officials in an unusual diplomatic move linked to Chile’s expanding trade relations with China.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged that the officials risked compromising critical telecommunications infrastructure through a proposed undersea cable project connecting Chile to Hong Kong.

Chile’s government dismissed the allegations, with Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren saying the project is still in its early stages and that no final decision has been taken. The development comes weeks before President-elect José Antonio Kast is due to assume office.


US Cancels Visas of Chilean Officials Over China-Linked Undersea Cable Proposal

Heavy rains triggered flooding across Chile’s capital, Santiago, with roads submerged and vehicles swept away. Eyewitness videos showed floodwaters surging through streets as traffic was disrupted and power outages were reported. Local media said parts of the Maipu district recorded over seventeen millimetres of rain in under an hour.


Chile: Floodwaters Swamp Roads in Santiago 

Wildfires devastating Chile's Biobío and Ñuble regions since January 18, 2026, have killed at least 20 people, destroyed over 590 homes, and scorched 61,000 hectares, with small hotspots remaining active in Lirquén's surrounding hills despite cooler weather aiding containment. 


Deadly Wildfires Ravage Chile: 20 Dead, Lirquen Hills Still Burning

At least 19 people have been killed as wildfires rip through large parts of Chile, driven by extreme heat, strong winds and dry conditions, authorities said. Fire crews are battling 34 active blazes, with evacuations under way across several regions.

Chile Wildfires Kill 19 as Extreme Heat Fuels Blazes

At least 18 people have been killed as devastating forest fires continue to rip through southern Chile, forcing more than 50,000 residents to flee their homes. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency in two regions and imposed a night-time curfew in the worst-hit areas.

Authorities say around two dozen active fires remain out of control, warning the death toll is likely to rise as firefighters battle extreme conditions and rapidly spreading flames.

Chile wildfires: More than 50,000 forced evacuate due to deadly wildfire

Chile Wildfires Kill At Least 18 As State Of Emergency Is Declared 

Chile Orders Evacuations as Forest Fires Threaten Southern Regions


Chilean voters elected the most right-wing president in 35 years of democracy on Sunday, with official results showing arch-conservative Jose Antonio Kast with a thumping victory and his rival quickly conceding defeat.

Far-Right Candidate Jose Antonio Kast Wins Chile's Election 

Jose Antonio Kast Wins Chile's Election

Chile is set for a high-stakes presidential runoff on December 14, following a tightly contested first round where Jeannette Jara, the center-left candidate, narrowly led but failed to secure an outright victory. Her opponent, far-right leader José Antonio Kast, has surged in polls and is now favored to win, as opposition candidates rally behind him and voters express concerns over crime and economic stagnation. The runoff marks a stark ideological divide, with Jara representing working-class and progressive policies while Kast advocates for stricter law and order and a shift away from the current government's direction. 


Chile presidential race: Election pivots on crime, migration

Chile is set for a high-stakes presidential runoff on December 14, following a tightly contested first round where Jeannette Jara, the center-left candidate, narrowly led but failed to secure an outright victory. Her opponent, far-right leader José Antonio Kast, has surged in polls and is now favored to win, as opposition candidates rally behind him and voters express concerns over crime and economic stagnation. The runoff marks a stark ideological divide, with Jara representing working-class and progressive policies while Kast advocates for stricter law and order and a shift away from the current government's direction. 

Chile Elections: Jara Pipped by Kast in Chile Polls, Runoff Set for December 14

Chile's leftist former labor minister Jeannette Jara and far-right leader Jose Antonio Kast will go head-to-head in a presidential run-off after topping Sunday's first round of voting in an election dominated by violent crime.


Chile: Presidential candidates take part in final debate before the high-stakes election

Peru Deploys Military to Border, Leaving Migrants Stranded in Chile

Chile's leftist former labor minister Jeannette Jara and far-right leader Jose Antonio Kast will go head-to-head in a presidential run-off after topping Sunday's first round of voting in an election dominated by violent crime.

Jara vs Kast: Chile Presidential Election Dominated by Deep Concern Over Violent Crimes

Chileans heads to the ballot box on Sunday to elect a new president in a vote that is pitting the governing leftist coalition against an array of right-wing candidates at a time when crime and immigration are at the top of voters' minds.


Chile's presidential elections: Who is running and what is at stake

Thousands of Chileans took to the streets of Santiago to celebrate love, equality, and LGBTQ+ rights at the annual Pride Parade. The vibrant event featured colorful floats, energetic performances, and a message of inclusion and diversity. Witness the powerful celebration of freedom and solidarity in Chile.

Chile LGBTQ+ Rally: Thousands Celebrate Diversity At Santiago's Annual Pride Rally

Chile Elections: Communist, and a Far-right Politician Lead the Field in Chile's Presidential Polls


Chile Elections: Communist, and a Far-right Politician Lead the Field in Chile's Presidential Polls | WION

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