The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of three metals – copper, nickel, and zinc – over the course of 2014.
In summary, the prices of these metals exhibited varying trends throughout the year, with copper experiencing notable fluctuations, nickel demonstrating an overall decline after mid-year, and zinc displaying moderate instability without a definitive trend.
Initially, in January, copper registered a decline of approximately -3.5%. This trend saw a significant turnaround, as prices rose consistently to a peak of around 5% in July, before experiencing volatility leading to a minor decrease towards the year’s end, settling at approximately 0% in December. Conversely, nickel commenced the year with a reduction of about -2%, reaching its zenith of about 6.5% in May. However, following this peak, nickel’s prices diminished sharply, culminating in a decrease to approximately -1.5% by December, indicative of a general downward trend post-May. Zinc’s journey began with a decrease to about -1.5% in January, rising gradually to a peak of 3.5% in July before experiencing declines that resulted in a final price change of approximately -2% by year-end.
In the broader context of 2014, a notable characteristic of copper is its pronounced capability for recovery and peak performance amidst fluctuations, while nickel’s trajectory suggests instability and eventual decrease after mid-year. Zinc, in contrast, reflects a more subdued performance with oscillations without any clear upward or downward trend. By December, all three metals averaged near similar percentages, approximately within the range of -1% to 1%, highlighting a convergence in their monthly price changes towards the conclusion of the year.