The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel, and zinc throughout 2014. Overall, nickel experienced the most significant volatility throughout the year, while copper and zinc showed more moderate fluctuations in their monthly price changes.
Nickel began the year with the highest growth at 6% in January, followed by a steady decline to 1% by March. After remaining stable at 1% in April and 0.5% in May, nickel prices plummeted to a low of -3% in June. Although there was a slight recovery to -1% between July and September, prices dipped further to -2% in October before rebounding to 1% in November and December.
In contrast, copper started at 2% in January and gradually decreased to -0.5% by May and June. From July to September, copper prices stabilised at 1% growth, before experiencing minor fluctuations between 0.5% and 1.5% for the remainder of the year. Zinc followed a similar pattern to copper, peaking at 3% in February. It then trended downwards, reaching a low of -1% in June and October, before finishing the year with a strong recovery to 2% in December.