New Delhi, Oct. 30 -- Growing investments in artificial intelligence (AI) are boosting global copper demand; however, a sharp slowdown in AI spending could weaken the market, slow economic growth and weigh on equities, according to an S&P Global report.

The report highlighted that AI infrastructure is emerging as a major source of copper demand beyond its traditional use in power generation and transmission.

At the same time, "data centers could consume almost 1 million metric tons of copper this year. Their construction is also supporting demand for steel, aluminium and lead," it stressed, citing Trafigura, a trading company.

However, the rapid expansion of data centres could face challenges due to electricity shortages, with Trafigur...