960415

Copper prices fall

NEW YORK: COMEX copper recouped the morning's losses in midday trading and was even able to muster a weak probe on the upside.

But floor sources did not expect much further movement unless most-active May made a significant challenge above 120 cents per lb, or until after tomorrow's LME stocks report.

London traders expected stocks to fall about 5,000 tonnes, while a New York broker predicted higher numbers.

At 1246 EDT May copper was unchanged at 119.40 cents per lb, traded 120.30 to 118.30 cents. Spot April was unchanged at 119.30 cents.-Reuter