Comex copper prices failed to maintain Monday’s gains in trading on Tuesday October 17, with investors pausing and eyeing upcoming Chinese data releases.

Copper prices were consolidating the previous session’s sharp gains during LME pre-market trading on Tuesday October 17, amid slower business flows, while other metals in the complex swung between the plus and minus columns.

Copper prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) surged during Asian morning trading on Tuesday October 17, buoyed by increasing optimism in the market regarding China’s economic outlook.

Comex copper prices were trading at the highest point since August 2014 in the morning of Monday October 16, with market participants anticipating improved Chinese data over the coming week.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were higher across the board this morning, Monday October 16, led by a 2.6% climb in copper prices.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are for the most part stronger this morning, Monday October 16. Nickel prices are little changed, while the rest are up by an average of 0.9% – led by a 1.9% gain in copper prices to $7,025 per tonne.

Base metals traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) were mixed during Asian morning trading on Monday October 16, with increases seen in tin, lead and nickel prices, while the rest were weaker as the complex consolidated gains made in the previous week and the dollar staged a recovery.

Comex copper prices are trading at the highest point since early September on Friday October 13 and continue to see sustained buying since Chinese investors have returned from the Golden Week holiday.

Base metals prices were higher across the board this morning, Friday October 13, while copper climbed back above $6,900 per tonne due to support from stronger fundamentals.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are mixed this morning, Friday October 13, with zinc and lead prices weaker by 0.3% and 1%, respectively; while aluminium and nickel prices are up by 0.2%, tin prices are firmer by 0.3% and copper prices are little changed at $6,875 per tonne.