BS reported that buoyed by a firm global trend and increased domestic demand, copper prices rose 1.05% to INR 476.85 per kilogram in futures trade as speculators enlarged positions.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper for delivery in August traded higher by INR 4.95 or 1.05% to INR 476.85 per kilogram in business turnover of 5,098 lots. The metal for delivery in far month November edged up by INR 4.65 or 0.97%, to INR 482.70 per kilogram in 907 lots.

Globally, copper for delivery in 3 months climbed 1.5% to USD 7,350 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange while at Shanghai Futures Exchange, it rose 0.40% to CNY 52,660 per tonne for delivery in December contracts.

Market analysts said that apart from increased demand at domestic spot markets from consuming industries, a firming overseas trend after manufacturing index in China, the biggest user, increased in august from an11 month low, adding to signs the world's second biggest economy is stabilising, mainly influenced copper prices at futures trade here. Besides, falling inventories also supported the upside.