London copper sheds early gains as dollar firms, trade concerns linger

BEIJING: London copper gave up early gains to trade down slightly on Wednesday, tracking a decline in equities on a firmer US dollar and as global trade tensions persisted.

The dollar index, which gained about 0.3 percent

overnight making metals more expensive for holders of other currencies and weighing on prices, was trading flat at 0500 GMT.

However, markets are less volatile now and fluctuations in the base metals were capped, as reports of behind-the-scenes talks between Washington and Beijing spurred some optimism, traders said.

"Concerns easing around trade friction are likely to see industrial commodities find support, but volatility is expected to stay high," ANZ wrote in a note.