Shanghai copper climbs

Shanghai Futures Exchange copper climbed 1.4 percent to 50,710 yuan ($7,543) a tonne on Monday, its highest since mid-February. Copper rallied after manufacturing data from top user China confirmed growth tempered slightly but stayed firm in July. Growth in China's manufacturing sector cooled as foreign demand for Chinese goods slackened, but a government-led infrastructure push kept construction humming and helped prop up the world's second-largest economy.
"It's still a strong figure," said Amy Li of the National Australia bank in Melbourne, adding that policy makers were likely to ensure smooth sailing for China's economy ahead of a leadership meeting in October. SHFE nickel rallied 1 percent as stainless steel makers restock, and amid ongoing concerns about supply from the Philippines, which has been cracking down on the mining sector. LME zinc rallied 1.4 percent.