The base metal prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) closed mixed on Tuesday, with zinc and aluminum close higher on signs U.S. demand will quicken.
Aluminum and zinc prices rose as a jump in home building fueled speculation that demand will accelerate in the U.S., the world's second-biggest consumer of industrial metals.
U.S. homebuilders broke ground on more houses in July and applications for building permits also increased compared with the prior month, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported Tuesday.
The three-month unofficial zinc price increased 21 U.S. dollars, or 0.92 percent, to 2305 U.S. dollars a tonne.
The three-month unofficial aluminium price increased 19.5 U.S. dollars, or 0.97 percent, to 2036.5 U.S. dollars a tonne.
The three-month unofficial copper price dropped 32 U.S. dollars, or 0.46 percent, to 6879 U.S. dollars per tonne.
The three-month unofficial lead price increased 9 U.S. dollars, or 0.41 percent, to 2227 U.S. dollars a tonne.
The three-month unofficial nickel price lost 25 U.S. dollars, or 0.13 percent, to 18575 U.S. dollars a tonne.
The three-month unofficial tin price lost 25 U.S. dollars, or 0.11 percent, to 22400 U.S. dollars a tonne.