Copper futures ended lower on Wednesday due to concerns over global economic recovery after data showed slower growth in manufacturing in most Asian and European countries. The world’s top metal consumer China’s manufacturing contracted for the first time in nearly 1-1/2 years. Though, some losses were capped by tracking firm global equities as investors predicted more stimulus.
Copper futures for December delivery fell $0.0970 to settle at $4.2780 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange. Copper on the London Metal Exchange was down 1.94 percent at $9,335.50 a ton.