US copper futures ended down for the first time in five sessions on Monday as uncertainties over US economic stimulus action capped an early rise to a price peak dating back to early December. Copper for March delivery closed down 1.55 cents at $1.6130 a lb on the New York Mercantile Exchange's COMEX division.
Range from $1.5970 to $1.6550, the contract's highest level since December 1. Benchmark March copper's ability to settle above its double neckline at $1.60 a lb on Friday confirms bullish pattern targeting $1.81 - CitiFX strategists. COMEX estimated futures volume at 27,207 lots by 1 pm EST (1800 GMT). Final volume on Friday surged to 34,016 lots.