Chinese investors snap up copper, gold stocks to drive 10% gains

Gold is forging into new-record-high territory for the first time in several years.

Bullion was steady on the final trading day, putting it on track to end the year about 13% higher.

Nickel is poised to post an annual drop of more than 40% on the London Metal Exchange, the biggest decline since 2008.

The precious metal has risen nearly 14% this year, on track for its first annual increase in three years.

China's net gold imports via Hong Kong rose about 37% in November from the previous month.

Japan's No.2 steelmaker plans to buy more coking coal from the spot market to boost activity and make prices more transparent.

Some Japanese aluminium buyers have agreed to pay global producers a premium of $90 per metric ton over the benchmark price for shipments from January to March, down 7% from the current quarter.

Gold prices have been setting annual records for the past three years.

Mine closures and disruptions tightened the supply outlook.