Japan’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for May surprised to the upside at 52.8, having been expected to remain at April’s level of 52.5, while China’s Caixin PMI came in at 51.1, which was unchanged from April’s reading. Taking into account yesterday’s better-than-expected reading on China’s official PMI, economic data may be picking up again, which could bode well for the metals.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are for the most part weaker this morning, Wednesday July 19. Tin is the exception with a 0.5% gain to $20,110 per tonne, while the rest are down between 0.1% for copper at $5,997 per tonne and 0.4% for nickel and lead prices.

The markets have been under steady pressure for so long that the combination of good news about Hong Kong, with the withdrawal of the extradition bill, and reports that high level US-China trade talks will resume in October, have been enough to lead a relief rally.

Copper’s three-month price on the London Metal Exchange was higher during morning trading on Friday April 12, gaining 1.2% and trading around $6,500 per tonne while a softer US dollar – below the psychological level of 97 – prompted moderate buying.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s office in Shanghai as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Thursday March 22.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s offices in Asia as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Wednesday May 15.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were on divergent paths during Asian morning trading on Wednesday December 26, with aluminum registering the largest gain on news of further capacity cuts in China.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mixed at the close of the morning trading session on Monday December 30, but movements were largely limited amid the year-end slowdown.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s office in Shanghai as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Friday December 15.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were for the most part little changed this morning, Monday April 30. Lead, zinc, tin and copper were slightly firmer, with the latter at $6,815 per tonne, while aluminium and nickel were slightly weaker.