Metals rise for second day on hopes for growth

NEW YORK (AP) — Metals prices are rising for a second day on growing optimism about the U.S. economy.

Copper for December delivery rose 1.55 cents Tuesday to close at $3.376 per pound. Copper is now up 3.6 percent since Monday.

Platinum for January delivery gained $1.20 to settle at $1,540.70 an ounce. December palladium rose $2.70 to close at $584.25 an ounce.

Optimism about the U.S. economy rose Tuesday on news that an index of consumer confidence jumped in November. The Conference Board said its gauge of consumer confidence is at the highest level since July.

Higher confidence means consumers might be willing to spend more. That would increase prices for industrial metals like copper and palladium because they are used as raw materials in factories.