The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of three metals — copper, nickel, and zinc — throughout the year 2014, compared to the previous month.
Overall, nickel experienced the most significant fluctuations, with both the highest rise and the steepest drop in price. In contrast, copper and zinc showed relatively stable trends, with more moderate changes across the year.
In January, the prices of all three metals increased, with nickel showing the most dramatic rise at nearly 6%. However, this was followed by a sharp decline, particularly for nickel, which fell to around -3% by June. Copper and zinc, on the other hand, saw smaller changes throughout the year, fluctuating within a narrower range of around -2% to 2%.
While nickel’s prices were highly volatile, copper and zinc demonstrated a more cyclical pattern. Both reached low points in the middle of the year and rose again towards December. Notably, the prices of all three metals increased in December, making it one of the peak months alongside January.