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Lumber and copper prices are soaring: what can they tell us about our economic recovery?

Doctor Copper says our economy is going to come roaring back, at least that's the theory behind looking at the price of copper — currently at a decade-high — as a leading economic indicator. Lumber prices, too, are through the roof. How good are these gauges anyway, when so much of our world has changed?

We take a closer look at theory behind "Dr. Copper" as a leading economic indicator

CBC Radio ·
As lumber prices soar across Canada and the U.S., Doug Howson loads lumber onto a forklift at Haney Builders Supplies, in Maple Ridge, B.C. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
Cost of Living9:25Lumber and copper prices are soaring: what can they tell us about our economy recovery?

Certain commodities are seen as leading economic indicators. That's why experts sometimes refer to "Doctor Copper."

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Copper prices are currently at a decade-high, but does that really mean our economy is going to come roaring back?

Lumber prices, too, are through the roof.

Host Paul Haavardsrud finds out how good these gauges are when so much of our world has changed.

Click "listen" at the top of the page to hear this segment, or download the Cost of Living podcast.

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