The London Metal Exchange delayed the start of trading on January 30 2026 after a technical issue disrupted its electronic trading platform, prompting confusion among traders and investors in global commodity markets. Trading on the exchange, which sets benchmark prices for key base metals including copper aluminum and zinc, was eventually resumed after a one hour delay, according to multiple market sources. 
The delay occurred while markets were experiencing heightened volatility following sharp price movements in metals earlier in the week. Traders were reacting to speculative activity that had driven some metal prices to record or near record levels, particularly copper. The one hour pause affected the exchange’s main electronic platform known as LMEselect, which typically opens early in the London trading day. 
After resuming trading at around 0200 GMT, the exchange faced continued nervous trading conditions as metals prices fluctuated following the brief disruption. Market analysts said the technical glitch underscored the sensitivity of commodities markets to system outages at key trading hubs, especially at times of rapid price changes and elevated speculative activity. 
The London Metal Exchange is owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd, and its benchmark contracts are used globally to price industrial metals. Despite the disruption, officials did not report any long term damage to market infrastructure and trading returned to normal operations later on January 30.
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