US copper futures closed with modest gains early on Thursday, supported by a broadly weaker dollar and holding firm despite mixed US and Chinese economic data that fed near-term demand concerns. Copper for September delivery rose 0.35 cent to settle at $3.0120 per lb on the COMEX metals division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Range from $2.9870 to $3.0450. COMEX estimated copper futures volume at 26,417 lots by 1 pm EDT (1700 GMT). Final volume Wednesday at 33,947 lots. Open interest up 1,239 lots to 131,177 contracts open as of July 14.