Copper futures ended higher on Monday as energy shortage worries in the world’s top metal consumer China calmed after Chinese premier Li Keqiang said last week the country would ensure its energy, power supply and keep economic operations within a reasonable range. Meanwhile reports showed that copper output in Chile dropped 4.6 percent year-on-year in August to 461,900 tons, also supported copper prices’ uptrend.
Copper futures for December delivery gained $0.05 to settle at $4.2385 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange. Copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 1.34 percent at $9,250.50 a ton.