Cacophony of voices on LME floor may not be heard for many months

The London Metal Exchange’s open outcry trading floor may remain closed for many more months as it cannot be reopened under COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the head of the exchange said.

LME CEO Matthew Chamberlain also told Reuters the exchange would look at potential M&A activity, but nothing was on the agenda currently.

"The challenge we have with the ring is that it’s all or nothing," he said in an interview.

"It is certainly a possibility that if social distancing is required for many more months, then the ring is closed for many more months."