LME metal prices could drop from highs before market close Thursday due to book squaring before long Easter weekend, says National Australia Bank Analyst Gerard Burg. LME 3-month nickel scores new record high of $48,700/ton, up $115 vs Tuesday PM kerb as result of ongoing supply shortage, strong demand outlook, says Investec. LME copper's move to 4-month high mostly of technical nature rather than significant shift in fundamentals, says Burg. LME copper last trades at $7,250/ton, up $20.