SINGAPORE: LME copper looks neutral in a range of $8,708 to $9,030 per tonne, and an escape could suggest a direction. A break above $9,030 could lead to a gain into $9,229-$9,551 range.

However, the bias could be towards the downside, as the metal has broken a rising trendline.

The break signals a reversal of the uptrend from $6,955.

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The current consolidation is regarded as a pullback towards the trendline.

A break below $8,708 would open the way towards $8,188-$8,510 range.