US copper futures ended at a two-week low on Monday on selling linked to fears of a looming US recession and slower demand signals from China, the world's leading copper consumer, analysts said. Chinese imports fell 5 percent to 226,980 tonnes in February from 239,000 tonnes in January, fuelling speculation in the market that demand may grow weaker still.
"The copper market is probably starting to consider that with demand expected to slow in the States, these Chinese figures probably carry a little more weight," said Michael Gross, futures analyst with Optionsellers.com in Tampa, Florida. Copper for May delivery fell by 12.65 cents, or 3.2 percent, to close at $3.7950 a lb on the New York Mercantile Exchange's Comex division, its lowest settlement since February 26, after dealing in a session range between $3.7695 and $3.9250.
Final estimated futures volumes totalled 18,613 lots, compared with Friday's final count of 12,562 lots. Open interest in the market increased by 1,827 lots to 104,104 contracts open as of March 7.
Analysts said a sliding US stock market pressured copper, typically viewed as a barometer of economic activity. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 fell 1 percent as investors sold off financial shares on fears of more credit losses.
"Copper is tracking the stock market a little bit, and keeping one eye on the US economy," Optionsellers.com's Gross said. On Friday, US employment data reinforced recessionary fears, with non-farm payrolls down 63,000 in February the largest monthly decline in nearly five years.
But analysts said the red metal should retain a bullish tone due to developing world demand and lingering concerns about supply. Overnight inventory data showed London Metal Exchange copper warehouse stocks fall by 2,350 tonnes at 131,925 tonnes on Monday, while Comex copper stocks declined 112 short tons to 12,640 short tons on Friday.
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