Shares of mining and metals companies were key gainers Tuesday, led by Freeport-McMoRan Inc. as copper prices hit a three-year high. Base metals prices have been on a tear as speculators and funds pour money into the asset class. Freeport shares gained 4.7%, bringing their week-to-date gains to 8.8%. Century Aluminum Co. gained 3.8%, Alcoa Corp. added 2.3% and Arconic Inc. rose 3.8%. BHP Billiton Ltd. was up 2.3% and Rio Tinto Plc added 2.3%. Teck Resources Ltd. rose 1.2%. The S&P 500 was up 0.6%.
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