The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of three metals, namely copper, nickel, and zinc, throughout the year 2014.
Overall, the prices of all three metals exhibited considerable fluctuations over the course of the year, with nickel experiencing the most significant peaks and troughs compared to copper and zinc.
Copper commenced the year at approximately 0% in January, experiencing a notable decline to around -2.2% in February. From March to October, the price fluctuations were relatively subdued, with averages oscillating between -1% and 1%. By the end of the year, in December, the price declined slightly to about -1.2%, indicating a marginal deterioration compared to January.
In contrast, nickel initiated the year with a decrease of around -0.8% in January, plunging further to -2.8% in February. It reached its zenith in May at 5.8%, followed by variability between -1% and 3% from June to November. By December, nickel exhibited a recovery, concluding with a final increase to approximately 1.2%. Similarly, zinc started at -0.5% in January, falling to -1.8% in February, but it achieved a peak of 3.2% in July. It demonstrated fluctuations ranging from -1% to 2% from August through November, culminating at about 2.2% by December.