Base metals prices traded on the London Metal Exchange were largely down during the morning session on Monday July 29, despite inventory outflows seen across all of the metals as of 9am on the same day.

With economic growth still deteriorating - the United States’ second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) came in at 2.1%, compared with 3.1% in the first quarter - the markets have little to cheer about this morning, Monday July 29.

With the exception of zinc, base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were down during the morning trading session on Monday July 29, dragged down by a firm dollar and trade uncertainty.

China’s lithium market reached weaker prices over the week to Thursday July 25 on slow market activity, while most cathode makers have reduced output over the summer period and limited reports of transactions on the spot market.

With little changed in the big picture, markets continue to oscillate while they consolidate - US and European equity indices were lower on Thursday July 25 and most Asian equities were weaker this morning.

With the exception of copper and aluminium, base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were up during morning trading on Friday July 26.

Here are five Fastmarkets MB stories you might have missed on Thursday July 25 that are worth another look.

There is some optimism in the markets because US-China trade talks are on the agenda again and expectations are running high for dovish talk from the European Central Bank (ECB) at its meeting later on Thursday July 25.

With the exception of copper and zinc, base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were up during the morning trading session on Thursday July 25, buoyed by positive sentiment over upcoming US-China trade talks.

Here are five Fastmarkets MB stories you might have missed on Wednesday July 24 that are worth another look.