LME aluminum higher on bullish tone in base metals, fund buying, but producer sales cap upside at $2,900 short-term, says trader at major Japan house. LME 3-month aluminum +$18 on London Friday PM kerb at $2,830/ton. Trader adds producer selling should be steady on aluminum's weaker fundamental outlook, but speculative, fund buying should support aluminum above $2,700, rally towards $3,000 still a possibility as market could push aluminum higher to trigger strikes for large call options near or above $3,000 for June prompt.