Market Outlook: Copper Falls Amid China's Mixed Economic Data

Copper prices in London fell as China's economic data showed a mixed recovery across various sectors, while a decline in the US dollar provided some support.

Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) dipped by 0.1% to $9,040.5 per ton at 06:09 GMT.

January copper contracts on the Shanghai Futures Exchange traded down 0.4% at 74,400 yuan per ton ($10,218.80).

China's industrial production picked up slightly in November, while retail sales disappointed, maintaining pressure on Beijing to increase stimulus for its fragile economy amid preparations for potentially more US trade tariffs under a second Donald Trump administration.

Despite rising stocks on the LME, a lack of clarity regarding China's stimulus measures put pressure on copper prices last week.

The weakening dollar supported the market, making dollar-priced commodities cheaper to purchase.

The Fed is expected to cut rates by 25 basis points with a 96% probability on Wednesday.

On the LME, aluminum traded at $2,599 per ton, down 0.2%; zinc at $3,082 per ton, down 0.4%; lead remained unchanged at $2,010.5 per ton; tin at $29,040 per ton, down 0.2%; and nickel at $15,815 per ton, down 0.3%.