SYDNEY: Steel-related contracts again led the base metals complex higher on Friday, gaining momentum from a positive outlook for Chinese industrial activity.

The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange ended up 0.3 percent. The most traded Shanghai Futures Exchange zinc contract closed 1.4 percent higher.

Shanghai Futures Exchange nickel was among the biggest gainers, with the most active contract ending 1.7 percent higher at 94,650 yuan ($14,395) a tonne. ShFE aluminium, used widely in construction and aerospace, also found support, rising 1.8 percent.

China’s manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in six months in August, buoyed by a surge in export orders and higher prices, according to the private Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers index. The official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released on Thursday rose to 51.7 in August from 51.4 the previous month.—Reuters