Copper prices fell on Friday, tracking equity markets lower as escalating tensions in the Middle East war spurred inflation concerns and cast a shadow over the demand outlook for industrial metals. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was down 1.3% at $13,419.50 a metric ton as of 0930 GMT, after edging up 0.1% on Thursday. The metal widely used in power, construction and manufacturing was on course to end the week down 0.5%. The escalation in fighting between the U.S. and Iran has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving oil prices up 12.7% so far this week and increasing fuel ... (full story)