Copper futures ended lower on Friday as the largest metal consumer, China's economic data came in slightly below forecasts. Moreover, surging Covid-19 cases have forced countries to impose stricter restrictions that are hampering economic activity, too added pressure on copper prices. However, some losses were capped as several investment banks have predicted higher prices for the copper metal and the US dollar was also set to post a second week of losses on Friday.
Copper futures for May delivery fell $0.0505 to settle at $4.1680 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange. Copper on the London Metal Exchange was down 0.79% at $9,211 a ton.