Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were up across the board on Friday December 7, with average gains of 0.6%. But trading remained choppy while market participants await greater direction.

Manganese ore prices stayed firm in last week’s assessment on positive sentiment for the steel sector, while silico-manganese prices fob India jumped higher as a result of the higher ore quotations.

Editor Vera Blei looks at the main news covered by Steel First over the past week.

Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were for the most part stronger on the morning of Monday March 4, with all but tin in positive territory. The complex recorded an average gain of 0.4%, while tin was down by 0.1% at $21,630 per tonne.

A drop in China’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) to 49.2 in February, from 49.5 in January, has set a weaker tone across markets with base metals traded on the London Metal Exchange mostly lower and down by an average of 0.3% in the morning of Thursday February 28.

Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were for the most part weaker this morning, Tuesday January 8.

Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were slightly firmer during morning trading on Tuesday April 2, up by an average of 0.2% but still down from Monday's highs.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are for the most part stronger this morning, Monday January 22, with the complex up by an average of 0.2%.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange remain under pressure this morning, Monday April 10, with three-month prices down an average of 0.2%.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are for the most part weaker this morning, Monday December 11, with prices down by an average of 0.3% - led by a 0.8% drop in nickel prices while copper prices are down by 0.4% at $6,554 per tonne. Volume has been average with 8,070 lots traded as of 06.47 am London time.