Copper settled up 0.27% at 448.8 supported by data showing China's economy had expanded as forecast in the third quarter, although concerns that the faster growth may be temporary limited gains. China's economy grew 7.8 percent in the third quarter, its fastest pace this year, as strengthening foreign and domestic demand helped factory production and retail sales. China's copper imports jumped 18 percent from August to hit an 18-month high in September as end-users rebuilt inventories. On the supply side, forecasted copper surpluses on increased mine production. Earlier this week Rio Tinto posted a 23 percent jump in third-quarter mined copper output. Concerns also remained over the United States, where federal agencies reopened on Thursday after the government managed to pass a deal to end a shutdown and raise the debt ceiling. US economic figures due to be announced last Friday were delayed again. Recent remarks by severe US Federal Reserve (Fed) Officials were in favor of keeping QE3 in place. Charles Evans, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago said he did not see enough economic data that would favor QE3 taper at the next policy meeting and warned against reducing financial risks at the expense of QE3 wind-down and interest rate hike. Inventories tracked by the London Metal Exchange fell for the 32nd straight session to 497,500 metric tons, the lowest since March 7. Now Copper is getting support at 446.4 and below same could see a test of 444 level, And resistance is now likely to be seen at 452.6, a move above could see prices testing 456.4.

Trading Ideas:

Copper trading range for the day is 444-456.4.

Copper ended with gains supported by data showing China's economy grew as forecast in the third quarter

China's economy grew 7.8% in July-September, as firmer foreign and domestic demand lifted factory production and retail sales

China's copper imports jumped 18 percent from August to hit an 18-month high in September as end-users rebuilt inventories.