By Polya Lesova
FRANKFURT (MarketWatch) -- Platinum and palladium futures posted strong gains early Wednesday, leading broad-based increases in metals prices. Platinum for April delivery gained $22.70, or 1.4%, to $1,640.80 an ounce in electronic trading on Globex. Palladium for June delivery rose $8.90, or 1.9%, to $479.25 an ounce. "Platinum and palladium continue to enjoy great popularity," said analysts at Commerzbank AG in a note to clients. "In addition to an improved economic outlook, both [metals] primarily draw support from high investment demand."
