Copper is known as “Dr Copper” because its price reflects the health of the global economy. For Indian traders, MCX copper futures are one of the most popular ways to participate in this crucial industrial metal using the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX).
In this guide, we break down what MCX copper futures are, how contract size and margin work, the trading hours you should know, and how global benchmarks like Comex copper influence prices.
What are MCX Copper Futures?
MCX copper futures are standardized contracts to buy or sell a fixed quantity of copper at a predetermined price on a future date, traded on the MCX platform. Prices are quoted in Indian Rupees per kilogram and are driven by both global copper benchmarks and the USD/INR exchange rate.
These contracts are used by:
- Hedgers, such as manufacturers and exporters, who want to lock in prices
- Traders and investors who aim to benefit from price movements
- Portfolio builders who use MCX commodity futures for diversification
Contract Size & Lot Details for MCX Copper
MCX lists multiple copper contracts, but the most commonly traded are:
Standard Copper Futures (COPPER)
- Contract/lot size: 2,500 kg (2.5 metric tonnes)
- Tick size (minimum price movement): 0.05 rupee per kg
Copper Mini Futures (COPPERM)
- Contract/lot size: 250 kg
- Same tick size and quotation (INR per kg), but smaller exposure
Because each tick is 0.05 rupee per kg, one tick is:
- Standard contract: 2,500 kg × 0.05 = ₹125 per tick
- Mini contract: 250 kg × 0.05 = ₹12.50 per tick
So even small price moves can create noticeable profit or loss, especially in the larger contract.
Margin Requirements & Leverage in MCX Copper
You do not pay the full contract value upfront when you trade MCX copper futures. Instead, you deposit an initial margin, typically around 9% to 12% of the contract value, depending on volatility and risk parameters.
Recent broker margin data shows that the standard copper contract margin is about 9.25% of contract value as of late November 2025
Trading Hours for MCX Copper
Copper falls under non-agri MCX commodity contracts, which follow extended trading hours:
Monday to Friday
- Regular session: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM IST
- Sometimes extended to around 11:55 PM IST when US daylight saving time is in force
These timings allow Indian traders to react to:
- London Metal Exchange (LME) price moves
- US market activity and macro data releases
- Overnight sentiment in global metals
Most active trading typically happens in the late afternoon and evening, when Europe and the US are open.
How does COMEX Copper Influence MCX Copper?
Globally, one of the primary benchmarks for copper is Comex copper, traded on the CME Group’s COMEX division in the US. A standard COMEX copper futures contract represents 25,000 pounds (about 11.34 tonnes), with a minimum tick of 0.0005 dollar per pound (tick value 12.50 dollars).
COMEX copper trades nearly 24 hours via electronic trading, with core regular hours around the US session.
MCX copper prices are heavily linked to global benchmarks like LME and COMEX:
- When international copper prices rise or fall sharply, MCX copper usually follows
- The RBI reference USD/INR rate is used when converting COMEX-linked settlement prices into rupees for MCX copper contracts
For traders on Markettrade, monitoring both MCX and Comex copper charts helps in understanding cross-market trends, arbitrage opportunities, and overnight risks.
How an MCX Copper Futures Trade Works?
Imagine you buy 1 Copper Mini lot at ₹1,030 per kg:
- Contract size: 250 kg
- Contract value: ₹1,030 × 250 = ₹257,500
- Margin (say 10%): about ₹25,750
If price rises to ₹1,040 and you exit, your profit would be (₹1,040 − ₹1,030) × 250 = ₹2,500
If the price falls to ₹1,020 instead, you get a loss of ₹2,500.
The math is simple, but you must manage risk, monitor global news, and keep an eye on intraday volatility.
Why Choose Markettrade For MCX Copper & Global Metals?
Now that you understand how MCX copper futures work, from lot size and margin to how global benchmarks like Comex copper influence prices, the next step is choosing a platform that helps you put this knowledge into action.
Markettrade is made for traders who treat MCX commodity trading as a serious opportunity, offering a clean, real-time interface, intelligent charting tools, transparent margin and P&L visibility, and learning resources that simplify everything from tick value to cross-market analysis.
Whether you are starting small with a Copper Mini position or building a broader metals strategy aligned with global trends, Markettrade helps you stay focused, disciplined, and data-driven so that every trade in MCX copper is backed by information, structure, and a platform experience that supports your growth as a trader.
FAQs
1. What is the current contract size of MCX copper futures?
The commonly traded standard MCX copper futures contract is 2,500 kg per lot, while Copper Mini is 250 kg, both quoted in rupees per kg.
2. How much margin do I need to trade MCX copper?
Margin typically ranges from 9% to 12% of the contract value, depending on volatility and risk parameters set by the clearing corporation and your broker.
3. What are the trading hours for MCX copper futures?
MCX copper trades from 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM IST on weekdays, occasionally extended to about 11:55 PM during US daylight saving months, aligning with LME and US market hours.
4. How is MCX copper linked to COMEX copper prices?
MCX copper settlement and intraday moves are strongly influenced by global benchmarks like LME and Comex copper. Final settlement for MCX copper uses the COMEX active month settlement price converted into INR using the RBI reference rate.
5. Is copper suitable for beginners in commodity trading?
Copper is liquid and widely followed, which makes it attractive, but its leverage and volatility can be challenging. Many new traders start with smaller Copper Mini lots, tight risk controls, and a reliable platform like Markettrade to develop experience gradually.
