Copper, iron ore hit records as demand surges

Copper, iron ore hit records as demand surges

LONDON — Copper and iron ore prices hit record highs on Friday as demand for the key commodities surges on the back of a powerful recovery in the global economy.

At the same time, stock markets and the dollar traded mixed ahead of a keenly awaited US jobs report.

With major economies led by the United States and China reopening after last year's shutdowns, industries are ramping up production, pushing the cost of materials ever higher as traders also worry about a lack of supply caused by the pandemic.