Industrial metals were mixed on Tuesday, with nickel and copper rising and aluminum and zinc falling. Positive data from the US and Eurozone boosted market sentiment. Germany's GDP grew slightly more than expected in Q2 while US retail sales beat estimates in July.
Aluminum was steady as positive headlines from the Eurozone and US did not manage to outweigh recent dismal data flow from Asia.
Copper gained 0.30% on hopes that central banks in the Eurozone and Asia will embark on stimulus measures.
Nickel was bullish on positive data flow from both sides of the Atlantics. However, China's factories continued to cut output, thus sending nickel futures lower.
Zinc retreated as global inventories remain at record levels. Moreover, industrial demand uncertainty weighted down on the base metal.