US copper futures closed at their lowest levels in more than one week on Thursday, hit by talk of a Chinese investigation into trading in the Shanghai rubber market, which outweighed better-than-expected labour market data. Copper for December delivery sank 5.70 cents, or 1.6 percent, to finish at $3.4435 per lb on the COMEX metals division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Lowest level on a settlement basis since August 31. Range from $3.3940 to $3.5020. COMEX estimated final copper futures volume at 41,222 lots, up from Wednesday's final count of 32,768 lots. Open interest up 1,118 lots at 138,197 contracts as of September 8.