Group 1 - LME copper prices fell by $68, or 0.64%, closing at $10,623.50 per ton due to a strong dollar and signs of weak demand, although a decline in LME inventories provided some support [1][4] - LME registered copper inventories decreased to 127,350 tons, the lowest level since July, which helped to mitigate the price decline [4] - The copper premium at Yangshan Port dropped by 38% over the past month to $36 per ton, the lowest since July, indicating reduced buying interest from China [4] Group 2 - LME zinc prices increased by $9.5, or 0.32%, closing at $2,988.00 per ton, reflecting a tight supply situation [4][5] - LME zinc inventories fell to 37,275 tons, the lowest level since the beginning of 2023, despite expectations of a surplus in the global zinc market for this year and next [6]

Core Insights - The global metal trading industry is experiencing its most profitable year ever, driven by supply disruptions and record-high prices [1][2] - Major players like Glencore Plc and Trafigura Group are on track for their best performance in metal trading, while IXM has already surpassed last year's profits [2] - The surge in metal trading profits contrasts with declining margins in other commodities such as gas, oil, and grains [3] Company Performance - Glencore Plc and Trafigura Group are leading the market, both expected to achieve record profits in metal trading [2] - IXM, the third-largest metals trader, is set to report its third consecutive year of record profits [2] - Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. has made approximately $300 million in trading profits this year, benefiting from increased demand in the metals sector [2] Market Dynamics - The current boom in metal trading profits follows a period of weak demand and volatile prices that previously affected profitability [3] - Supply squeezes and upheavals have significantly contributed to the profits of larger players in the metal trading market [4] - The introduction of potential import tariffs on refined copper by the US government created a significant arbitrage opportunity, leading to unprecedented price premiums for US copper [5]

Core Viewpoint - Geopolitical risks and economic decoupling are reshaping the global commodity market landscape, necessitating precise market trend predictions for companies to seize opportunities during transformations [1] Group 1: Event Overview - LSEG will host a high-profile industry seminar during the LME Asia Week on May 19, 2025, supported by LME [2] - The forum will focus on three main topics: US tariff policies, global supply chain resilience, and the upgraded role of Asian markets, analyzing core drivers, technological innovation paths, and potential growth spaces in the metal market [2] Group 2: Agenda and Speakers - The event will include guest registration, opening remarks, and a networking session [4] - Bruce Alway, Director of Metal Research at LSEG, will discuss how trade barriers and geopolitical factors are reconstructing the value chain of transition metals and provide strategic foresight for the base metal market amid de-globalization trends [5] Group 3: Commodity Trading Insights - Access to timely and correctly formatted information is crucial for success in commodity trading [8] - Each data point, from oil storage levels in Cushing to grain quality in the Black Sea region, adds valuable insights to global trading decision-making processes [9] - Utilizing structured approaches to leverage fundamentals, supply and demand, vessel tracking, reserves, and alternative data sources enhances traders' competitive advantages [10] Group 4: LSEG's Commodity Trading Solutions - LSEG offers comprehensive data and analytical methods for global metal trading, utilizing machine learning and AI to expand coverage and predict market trends [17] - The company provides tools, fundamentals, forecasts, alternative data, and the latest news to help clients excel in competitive environments [12] - LSEG's energy commodity trading solutions cover a wide range of assets, including oil, gas, electricity, coal, and carbon, supported by exclusive partnerships and a vast network of research experts [15][16]