Simple homotopy invariance of the loop coproduct

We prove a transformation formula for the Goresky-Hingston loop coproduct in string topology under homotopy equivalences of manifolds. The formula involves the trace of the Whitehead torsion of the homotopy equivalence. In particular, it implies that the loop coproduct is invariant under simple homotopy equivalences. In a sense, our results determine the Dennis trace of the simple homotopy type of a closed manifold from its framed configuration spaces of $\le 2$ points. We also explain how the loop coproduct arises as a secondary operation in a 2-dimensional TQFT which elucidates a topological origin of the transformation formula.