LME base metals markets are relatively quiet early Wednesday as Tuesday's upside momentum eases, says an analyst. Chinese short-covering has been less than many market participants had expected, leading to a loss of momentum, he says. However, copper remains steady which is a positive sign, analyst adds. "The market is taking a pause, looking for fresh inspiration" to guide prices, analyst notes. LME copper trades at $8,217 a metric ton, up 0.6% from Tuesday while LME zinc trades at $4,155/ton, up 0.8% from Tuesday.