Producers of metals and other raw materials gave back some recent gains, but remained near record highs as global central banks were set to loosen monetary policy.
The U.K. inflation rate slowed by more than expected in November, to its lowest level in more than two years, spurring bets that the Bank of England would soon make interest-rate cuts.
A drop in interest rates worldwide would loosen credit, bolstering economic activity and making large-scale infrastructure development easier to finance.
Steelmakers remained near all-time highs following a merger deal involving U.S. Steel.
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