Metals mixed

Melbourne: London metals turned mixed late in Asia on Thursday as a China rate rise took the shine off cheerier manufacturing reports from the country and Japan, with markets winding down ahead of the Christmas break.

China's central bank on Thursday nudged up money market rates as authorities sought to defuse financial risks without imperilling the economy, a balancing act that it has managed successfully so far this year as activity remained broadly steady.

The move came after the US raised rates and after a number of improving manufacturing readings out of China and Japan.

"It all continues to paint a relatively positive picture -- at least not as bearish as the market is concerned about," said analyst Daniel Hynes of ANZ in Sydney. "Coming into year-end, there has definitely been a bit of profit-taking and no-one´s really willing to put fresh longs on the table at the minute.