Copper settled down -0.11% at 445.80 swung between small gains and losses on Monday, after data showed copper imports from top consumer China declined last month. According to China's General Administration of Customs, inbound copper shipments totaled 435,613 metric tons in November, down 4.8% from October. Copper traders now looked ahead to a raft of Chinese economic data later in the week, including reports on industrial production, fixed asset investment and retail sales. Data released earlier showed that CPI in China rose 3% in November, in line with expectations and slowing from 3.2% in October. The inflation report came one day after data showed that China's trade surplus widened to USD33.8 billion last month from a surplus of USD31.1 billion in October, compared to estimates for a surplus of USD21.7 billion. Chinese exports climbed 12.7% from a year earlier, beating expectations for a 7.1% increase and following a 5.6% gain in October. Imports rose 5.3%, compared to forecasts for a 7.2% increase. Traders looked ahead to speeches from a number of Federal Reserve officials later in the day for further indications on the future course of U. S. monetary policy. Data released Friday showed that the U. S. economy added 203k jobs in November, above expectations for jobs growth of 180k. The unemployment rate fell to a five-year low of 7.0% from 7.3% in October. The robust data raised the possibility that the Fed may start to scale back its USD85 billion-a-month asset purchase program as soon as its next monthly meeting on December 17 - 18. Technically market is getting support at 444.2 and below same could see a test of 442.7 level, And resistance is now likely to be seen at 446.7, a move above could see prices testing 447.7.

Trading Ideas:

Copper trading range for the day is 442.7-447.7.

Copper swung between small gains and losses after data showed copper imports from top consumer China declined last month.

Inbound copper shipments totaled 435,613 metric tons in November, down 4.8% from October - China's General Administration of Customs,

Data showed that consumer price inflation in China rose 3% in November, in line with expectations and slowing from 3.2% in October