(FM) Base metals on the London Metal Exchange complex consolidated in mixed morning trading on Monday 21 January, while market focus shifted to China’s fourth-quarter data release. China’s fourth-quarter GDP data was in line with expectations at 6.4%, down 0.1% from its previous recorded figure at 6.5%. ‘’These numbers are basically in line with expectations, which were not optimistic,’’ John Browning of BANDS financial said. Both the LME nickel and copper three-month price moved down in morning trading, after experiencing an uptick last week on the strength of an increased demand forecast from China and optimism over US-China trade negotiations. Nickel’s LME three-month price was down $85 to $11,735 per tonne while the three-month copper price was down $43.50 to $6,008.50 per tonne, representing two of the biggest moves in the complex.
