US copper futures bounced from two-week lows to end higher on Thursday, with chart-based support in the lower $3.20's helping to offset the negative impact of another disappointing labour market report. Copper for September delivery rose 3.00 cents, or 0.9 percent, to close at $3.2840 per lb on the COMEX metals division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Range extended down from $3.2960 to $3.2310, its lowest level since July 29. COMEX estimated final copper futures volume at 46,395 lots, down from Wednesday's 51,306 lots. Open interest down 1,076 lots to 138,590 contracts open as of August 11.