(Dec 24): Copper extended a powerful December rally that’s carried prices for the industrial metal to unprecedented highs above US$12,000 (RM48,696) a ton on fears over a tighter global market in 2026. Prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) are now on track for an annual gain of 38%, the biggest since 2009. All six base metals on the LME are headed for annual gains in a year that’s seen an array of supply-side pressures. Aluminium is up nearly 16% in 2025 as slowing production growth in China and soaring energy costs in the rest of the world crimp supplies. Zinc has gained 5% after key mine outages, while tin is up 48% after major producer Indonesia cracked down on illegal mining.

Source: The Edge Markets December 24, 2025 04:11 UTC