Copper futures settled higher on Wednesday as demand expectations from the world’s top metal consumer China improved after upbeat service activity data. However, some gains were limited by firm dollar as stronger-than-expected US services sector data highlighted uncertainty surrounding the expected start of the Federal Reserve's easing cycle later this year.
Copper futures for July delivery gained $0.0690 to settle at $4.6060 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange. Copper on the London Metal Exchange was down by 0.2 percent at $9,925.50 a ton.