London Metal Exchange traders have been kept busy

Copper�saw the most dramatic rise, at $8,060 a tonne, before ending at $8,005, a $190 rise on Tuesday's close.

Developing countries' growing appetite for metals, including copper, has prompted price increases recently.

"Everyone is waiting for something to happen that will turn the direction of the market," a trader on the LME said.

"But until then, no one is willing to sell and prices will only continue higher," the trader added.

Further increases

Developing countries are using metals for construction and electronics among others.

Gold also rose to its highest in 25 years, hitting over $700 an ounce, before falling to $695.15.

Since the start of the year Copper has risen by 85%, and dealers are now predicting that it could reach fresh records of between $9,000 and $10,000.

The closure in Mexico of a copper, silver and zinc mine, and lower copper production levels in Chile have squeezed supply, forcing prices up further.

Aluminium also topped a new peak, hitting $3,077 per tonne, its highest level in 18 years.

"The next upside objective [for Aluminium] is the all-time high of $3,285 a tonne set in June 1988," a UBS report said.

Another metal that hit a record on Wednesday was Zinc, which reached $3.565.