Participants were expecting a stronger performance by the base metals on Tuesday October 8 following the reopening of Chinese markets, but futures prices on both the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai Futures Exchange have been mixed.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s office in Shanghai as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Wednesday December 13.

Here are five Fastmarkets MB stories you might have missed on Tuesday June 4 that are worth another look.

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.

Base metals were mixed Wednesday ahead of the Federal Reserve releasing its decision on whether to raise rates.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were trading higher across the board this morning, Monday September 18, led by increases in zinc and lead.

Most base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange ended the Asian morning trading session on Tuesday June 26 in negative territory, with deepening fears of a China-United States trade war weighing on the sector.

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.

Against the background of heavy economic and geopolitical clouds, markets are getting some lift on Friday August 16, presumably since they have absorbed all the latest gloomy news on global economy, trade, the unrest in Hong Kong and debt default concerns in Argentina.

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.