Easy money makes metals shine despite economic shock caused by Covid-19

Analysts say easy liquidity and China demand are driving metal prices up

Not only equities and gold, but industrial commodities have also been on a tear this year, despite the economic shock caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The LME Metal index, a gauge for performance of non-ferrous metals, posted its fifth straight monthly advance in August — its longest winning streak since 2009. The index is currently up more than 30 per cent from its 2020 lows in March at the height of the Covid-19-triggered sell-off. Copper, zinc, lead, nickel, tin, and aluminium — all have gained between 16 per cent and 47 per cent since the end of March. The sharp