London copper set for best week since 2016 as prices surpass $10,000/tonne

London copper prices on Friday were on track for their biggest weekly gain in nearly five years on supply concerns and as sentiment was supported by the metal surpassing a key psychological level.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.4% to $10,026 a tonne by 0741 GMT. It was up 7.1% on a weekly basis and set for its strongest weekly rise since November 2016.

"Bullish sentiment increased during LME Week amid power shortages and supply concerns," wrote commodities broker Anna Stablum of Marex Spectron in a note, referring to the electricity crunch across Asia and Europe.

"This month's new recycling restrictions in Malaysia have also caused the scrap market to tighten considerably, forcing traders to turn to refined metal."

LME copper cancelled warrants , or metals earmarked for delivery, were last at 140,200 tonnes, the highest since August 2018.

Cash copper on the LME was at a $147-a-tonne premium over the three-month contract , the highest since April 2012. Copper for Monday delivery traded as much as $175 above metal for Tuesday delivery, the biggest 'tom-next' spread since November 2006, indicating shortage of nearby supplies.

Copper stocks in ShFE warehouses fell to their lowest since June 2009 at 41,668 tonnes, down some 80% since May.

The metal surpassed $10,000 a tonne in late trading on Thursday, the first time it has done so since June 14.

"As we reach the $10,000 psychological level, stop hunters are trying to force the shorts out," said a metals trader, adding that risk appetite is also strengthening.

Asian shares advanced warmed by the embers of a strong day on Wall Street, which supported risk-friendly currencies and hurt the safe-haven yen.

The most-traded November copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange closed 2.8% higher at 73,820 yuan ($11,486.10) a tonne, having touched its highest since June 2 at 74,340 yuan a tonne earlier in the session.