The reopening of Chinese markets this morning, Monday October 9, after last week’s holiday has led to a fairly strong start to the week for the base metals, the exception being lead, which is the sole metal in negative territory.

INTL FCStone’s Edward Meir took the top spot on Fastmarkets’ Apex 2018 yearly base metals leaderboard with an accuracy rating of 98.75%.

With US-China trade talks appearing to have soured, it is somewhat surprising that the metals markets are not weaker. But, confirmation that Chinese vice premier Liu He’s trip to Washington on Thursday May 9 is to go ahead, suggests there may still be a chance of a trade deal and that seems to be encouraging some dip-buying in the metals.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were little changed during the morning session on Thursday September 12, with trading activity light ahead of a national holiday in China on Friday to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The base metals traded on the London Metal Exchange have kicked off the new trading week with a broadly positive performance this morning, Monday April 23.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s offices in Asia as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Monday September 24.

Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were mixed on the morning of Thursday July 26, with lead leading on the upside with a 0.7% gain to $2,168 per tonne, while tin was the worst performer with a decline of 0.4% to $19,765 per tonne.

Asian Pacific equity indices are firmer this morning, Friday March 20, as are many of the base metals and all of the precious metals, but given the worst no doubt lies ahead in terms of weaker demand for non-household consumables in Europe and the United States, the current upturn may be a countertrend move or a two-thirds-of-the-way-down pause.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were broadly down during the morning trading session on Friday June 21, with nickel leading the charge lower.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were all higher during Asian morning trading on Thursday April 5 amid hopes that talks between the United States and China could avert a global trade war.