Copper retreated from a fresh record high in London on Wednesday, as profit-taking pressures mounted in response to weak US equities and another large build in London inventories. COMEX copper for March delivery sank 5.80 cents or 1.3 percent to settle at $4.37 per lb, more than 10 cents away from its own record peak at $4.4980.
The benchmark March contract now stands just above its 20-day simple moving average, a key trend line that has provided support since December. Copper stocks added another 3,825 tonnes, bringing total warehouse levels to 381,750 tonnes. Since December 9 stocks have climbed over 32,000 tonnes, raising some concerns about waning demand.