Copper edged higher on Monday, supported by near-term supply risks although a cloudy outlook for global demand limited gains. In Shanghai, the most-traded September copper contract closed up 0.3 percent at 71,840 yuan a tonne on Monday.
Copper was relatively steady the past week despite more signs of weakness in the US economy as investors were hesitant to drive the price lower at a time when weather and labour issues threatened to further tighten global supplies.