Metal traders reap rich dividends, scoring record profits for the second consecutive year.

The metals trading industry is enjoying a second consecutive year of booming conditions, with traders earning billions of dollars and several leading trading houses posting record profits. Trafigura Group's metals trading business generated approximately $2 billion in profit in its fiscal year ended September, a record; Glencore also posted one of the best earnings levels in its history. Prices of metals including copper, gold and silver have surged to all-time highs, and many traders have received the highest pay of their careers while also fielding job offers from multiple rival firms.