Copper ended flat after rising to its third consecutive record high just short of $10,000 a tonne on Wednesday as economic confidence spurred robust demand prospects in 2011 against a backdrop of tight supply. Copper again led a broader push higher in the base metals complex, helping tin hit a new record high, nickel touch its highest since May 2008, zinc hit a 10-week high and aluminium near its highest since September 2008.
COMEX March copper eased 0.30 cent to finish at $4.5440 per lb, after reaching a benchmark contract record at $4.5620 earlier in the session.