US copper futures ended lower in choppy trade on Wednesday, weighed down by an indecisive stock market and surprisingly weak retail sales data that pointed to less strength in the world's largest economy. Copper for September delivery shed 0.90 cent at $3.0085 per lb on the COMEX metals division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Ranged from $2.9945 to $3.0560. COMEX estimated copper futures volume at 29,903 lots by 1 pm EDT (1700 GMT). Final volume Tuesday hit 25,811 lots. Open interest up 1,154 lots to 129,938 contracts open as of July 13.