Hindustan Copper shares rose by 5.6% on Wednesday, leading a rally in the metal sector as stocks surged up to 6% amid positive market sentiment linked to US-Iran negotiations. The Nifty Metal index gained 2.55%, reaching an intra-day high of 12,644.15. The optimism was further supported by copper prices climbing above $6 per pound, bolstered by geopolitical easing and supply concerns following China's sulphuric acid export ban. Analysts from Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers noted that the upcoming quarter's performance in the metal sector is expected to improve, particularly in the non-ferrous segment, due to a recovery in steel prices and robust infrastructure spending in India. Domestic hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices have increased by 30% since December 2025, while primary rebar prices rose by 29.5%. Despite rising raw material costs, the increase in steel prices is anticipated to support earnings growth for steel companies in the upcoming quarters.