It closed at $10,487.50/t, returning towards the price for three-month copper, which was down 0.46% to $10,149.50/t.

"We expect volatility to remain in the near term given such market uncertainty - think low stocks, uncertain delivery times thanks to shipping and other logistical issues," Marex's Al Munro said from the LME desk.

Nickel has climbed further above $20,000 per tonne, with cash nickel up 0.45% to $20,130.50/t, as Vale had to halt its Onca Puma operation in Brazil for the second time this month amid a battle over its operating licence.

Gold is up slightly to $1,773 an ounce on the spot market.

Precious metals producer Fresnillo rose 2.85% in London while Glencore fell by a similar amount.

The S&P 500 closed up 0.75% to 4,519.63 and is within a whisker of last month's all-time high.

Finally, Volcanic Gold Mines (TSXV: VG) erupted in Toronto, rising 56.5% to C54c - on news of drilling 4.58m at 79.84g/t gold and 5,053g/t silver at the Holly project in Guatemala, where it can earn 60% under a 2020 deal with Radius Gold.