Copper prices are surging, approaching record highs as optimism grows around a potential trade agreement between the United States and China. This development has bolstered an already strong rally driven by recent disruptions at major mining operations worldwide. Signs that the world’s two largest economies are nearing a trade deal this week have improved the demand outlook for the industrial metal, coinciding with increased concerns about production shortfalls in Chile, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia. On the London Metal Exchange, copper prices climbed as high as 1.2 per cent to $US11,094 a tonne, ... (full story)