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The London Metal Exchange (LME) is the world’s premier non-ferrous metals market, with highly liquid contracts. It is an innovative Exchange, whilst maintaining its traditional strengths in a modern business environment. It remains close to its core users by ensuring its contracts continue to meet the high expectations of a demanding industry. As a result, it is highly successful, with a turnover value of some US$2,000 billion per annum. It is a major contributor to the UK’s invisible earnings, responsible for more than £250 million in overseas earnings each year.

LME Standard Lead Futures & Traded Options
The uses of lead can be traced back to the earliest days of History. The Romans described it as the ‘basest of base metals’ due to the ease with which it could be beaten or melted. In recent time lead has come into its own with the evolution of applications such as petrol additives, pigments, chemicals, crystal glass and batteries.

The largest market for lead is in battery production, consuming approximately two thirds of the lead produced in the western world.

Lead’s relationship with the LME began before the turn of the century, although dealings were unofficial. By 1903, it was being traded in a small secondary ring, but still without an official price setting. Lead was first officially traded in 1920 and the current standard lead contract, introduced in 1953, has become the mainstay for international free trade in this metal.

The London Metal Exchange Limited
56 Leadenhall Street
London EC3A 2DX
UK