[Citi: Short-term Bullish on Copper Prices, Expected to Rise to $14,000 in the Next Three Months] According to a report by Jinse Finance, Citi stated on Tuesday that it holds a short-term bullish view on copper prices, predicting that copper prices will rise to $14,000 per ton in the next three months. The bank noted that the short-term downside risk for copper prices is limited, citing expectations of strong dip-buying in both physical and financial markets, as well as seasonal inventory consumption in China over the coming months. Driven by improved market sentiment and stronger demand from China, the largest metal consumer, benchmark three-month copper prices on Tuesday hit their highest level since February 12. The bank maintains its base forecast of an average copper price of $13,000 per ton in 2026, stating that this price level is sufficient to keep the global copper market roughly balanced this year. Citi also mentioned that a limited U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement or a short-term easing of tensions could boost risk-sensitive assets such as copper. The bank pointed out that COMEX-LME arbitrage dynamics are no longer a key driver for further price increases, citing weaker arbitrage pricing at the start of 2026 and the continued strong inflow of metals into U.S.-linked LME warehouses recently, a trend that may persist in the short term.