Base metal prices have been much firmer lately, with declining inventories for zinc pushing up prices.

Supply isn't going up as much as demand so the prices of metal, especially that of copper and zinc, are going up.

Zinc is a base metal. And it is an internationally traded commodity and its supply source is not limited to small areas. This falls outside the definition of metals for stockpiles.

It's not as if we haven't dealt with crude prices at these levels, but again you're pushing up against the historic highs.

JGB prices dropped, hit mainly by firmer stock prices.

Though there are some prices that are declining, in fact deflation means most prices are declining and there's very little evidence that is happening.