Most metals, from copper to aluminum fell again Friday and were heading for their worst week of the year in early trading after data showed Chinese factory activity shrinking at the fastest pace since 2009.
Marking the fifth straight month of contraction, the flash Caixin/Markit China Manufacturing PMI fell to 47.1 in August, compared to a final reading of 47.8 in July, WSJ reports.
Copper for delivery in three months fell 1.8% to $5,027 per tonne mid-afternoon on the London Metal Exchange, dangerously close to the six-year low it hit Tuesday. Prices have tumbled 2.2% this week and are heading for a seventh weekly loss.
Meanwhile, nickel and zinc dropped over 2%, while aluminum and tin lost about 1% each.
