Industrial metals, liquefied natural gas and steel are set to finish 2017 on top of the world as a crackdown on pollution in China, the world’s no.2 economy, boosts demand for cleaner fossil fuels and raw materials vital to clean-tech industries. For 2018, analysts predict more of the same: accelerating growth in major economies and increased infrastructure spending will drive price rises for industrial commodities and energy sources beyond the multi-year highs they’re now touching. “I think we have seen the end of low commodity prices as funds are expected to focus on commodities in 2018, with strong economic growth,” said Terry Reilly, senior commodities analyst with Chicago-based Futures International. Metals used in the booming renewable energy sector, including copper for transmission lines and solar panel wiring, have seen strong demand and price rises, as have materials like aluminum used in electric vehicles. Copper and aluminum […]