The line graph illustrates the average monthly fluctuations in the prices of three metals—copper, nickel, and zinc—throughout the year 2014.
Overall, the graph exhibits considerable volatility in the price changes of all three metals, with nickel experiencing the most significant declines while copper and zinc displayed more stable trends by year-end.
The price of copper commenced at approximately 0% in January, subsequently declining to around -2.2% in February. Thereafter, it displayed fluctuations between -1% and 1% for the remainder of the year, ultimately concluding at about -1.2% in December. In contrast, nickel started at approximately -0.8% in January and evidenced a dramatic drop to -2.8% in February. The most notable surge occurred in May, with a peak of 5.8%. Following this peak, nickel experienced fluctuations ranging between -1% and 3% until December, where it stabilized at around 1.2%. The price changes of zinc followed a somewhat different pattern, initiating at approximately -0.5% in January and falling to -1.8% in February, before rising to an apex of 3.2% in July. After this peak, zinc’s price oscillated between -1% and 2% until December, closing at approximately 2.2%.
From January to June, the average monthly price change of copper experienced a steady decline, ultimately reaching around -0.5%. Simultaneously, nickel’s value plummeted sharply during the same period, culminating in its lowest point of about -3% in June. Notable contrasts were evident between copper’s relative stability after a brief rise in June and July and nickel’s volatile performance. In terms of zinc, the price began at 1% in January and peaked at 3% in February, before commencing a gradual decline, hitting -1% in June. This price continued to hover at this level for several months before escalating to approximately 2% by December. These trends highlight the differing dynamics in the price performance of these metals over the course of the year.