Base metals prices higher in London

Metals prices were mixed on Wednesday. Base metals saw gains in London, while most precious metals were lower in New York. Copper was 0.1 percent higher to $7,375 per tonne as some strikes continued in Latin America and more were threatened. Also helping prices rise was the news that copper demand exceeded production in the first three months of the year. Nickel gained 0.2 percent to $37,600 per tonne, while lead added 1 percent to $2,610 per tonne.

In New York, August gold dropped 50 cents to $644.80 per troy ounce after bigger declines earlier in the week. July silver was 7 cents lower to $12.21 per troy ounce, while September palladium fell $3.15 to $367.85 per troy ounce. July platinum, however, added $7.20 to $1,275.50 per troy ounce.