US copper futures edged higher early on Tuesday after data showing an unexpected drop in consumer confidence countered better-than-expected housing data, leaving prices mired in narrow ranges. Copper for December delivery up 1.00 cent at $2.7370 a lb by 10:50 am EDT (1450 GMT) on the New York Mercantile Exchange's COMEX division.
Range from $2.6870 to $2.7495. On Monday, benchmark December contract hit a 5-1/2-week low at $2.6625. COMEX estimated futures volume at 7,806 lots by 10 am.