[Metals Trading Enters One of the Most Profitable Periods in History; Multiple Traders Report Career-High Earnings] According to Jinse Finance, on October 25th, the global metals trading industry experienced its second consecutive year of explosive profit growth, with several large traders setting profit records and metal traders earning billions of dollars. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Trafigura, vying with Glencore for the title of the world's largest metals trader, recorded approximately $2 billion in profits from its metals trading business in the fiscal year ending September. Glencore also recorded one of its best profit performances ever, but its overall performance was dragged down by a $480 million provision related to its exposure to iron ore trader Radiant World. The huge profits made the London Metal Exchange Week (LME Week), which concluded on Friday, particularly exciting. Champagne was served continuously at this most important annual gathering of the global metals industry. Several metal traders privately stated that they are experiencing the highest earning period of their careers, while simultaneously receiving job offers from competitors and new entrants seeking to share in the booming metals market. According to sources familiar with the matter, Vitol Group, the world's largest commodities trader, is also expanding its metals trading business, which is expected to generate over $100 million in profit this year. While this performance is significantly better than last year, it still lags behind major competitors such as Mercuria.