Copper futures ended lower on Monday on worries about demand after data showed manufacturing activity in the world’s biggest metals consumer, China growing at a slower pace in January, with the Caixin/ Markit manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) coming in at 51.5 in January compared to 53.0 in December, while stronger US currency too makes dollar-denominated assets such as copper more expensive for holders of other currencies. However, easing worries over tight liquidity conditions in China capped some losses.
Copper futures for March delivery lost $ 0.0100 to settle at $3.5460 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange. Copper on the London Metal Exchange was down 0.73% at $7,798.50 a ton.