Base metals mixed on supply, demand predicitions

In the metals markets on Thursday, gold was slightly higher to $623.00 per troy ounce.

Base metals were mixed, with copper 1.6 percent lower to $6,800 per tonne on a report from Bloomsbury Mineral Economics that predicted that the refined copper market would run a surplus of 45,000 tonnes in 2007; its previous forecast had put copper at a deficit of 130,000 for next year.  On the other hand, zinc added 0.7 percent to $4,220 per tonne on a report of a higher supply deficit this year than last from the International Lead and Zinc Study Group.  The group reported that global demand was up by 4 percent and consumption in China has risen by 7 percent.