Bloomberg reported that aluminium rose to the highest in 9 months in London and copper to the highest in 10 months as a world economic recovery spurs demand for industrial metals.

According to figures released, UK manufacturing jumped the most in 1 1/2 years in June while Spanish industrial production fell the least in 8 months. Economists said that a report will probably show service industries in the US shrank at a slower pace in July, bringing the economy closer to emerging from the worst recession in eight decades.

Mr Gayle Berry an analyst at Barclays Capital in London said that “In Europe and the US, consumers are beginning to buy again. That is a big change from just a few months ago, when there was no physical market activity in aluminium. He said that we are not seeing as much metal flowing into warehouses as before. Physical markets are pretty tight.”

Mr Stephen Briggs an analyst at RBS Global Banking and Markets in London said that “This is a huge risk rally. Every risky asset has gone up on massive optimism about economic recovery. You don’t stand in front of an oncoming train.”

Exchange data show that Stockpiles of aluminium monitored by the LME rose 6,800 tonnes. About 70% is tied up in warehousing transactions and isn’t available to the market, Barclays Capital estimates. Stockpiles climbed 3.7% in July, the smallest increase in a year.

Mr Michael Widmer an analyst at Banc of America Securities Merrill Lynch in London said that aluminium will average 75 cents a pound this year, 11% more than estimated previously. He raised his prediction for next year by 9.5% to 79 cents.

(Sourced from Bloomberg)