Copper settled 0.18% up at 441.30 traded in the range as appetite for growth-linked assets weakened amid fresh concerns over the US debt ceiling. Copper prices came under pressure as investors remained cautious ahead of negotiations on raising the US debt ceiling still to come in February. President Barack Obama warned Congress that it must raise the debt ceiling or risk a "self-inflicted wound on the economy." Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner also urged policymakers to act swiftly in order to prevent a potential debt default. Losses were limited as the US dollar came under pressure after Fed Chief Bernanke indicated that the central bank intended to continue its quantitative easing program. In a speech on the economy and monetary policy on Monday, Fed Chief Ben Bernanke said that he was still unsatisfied with the economy's progress, despite some recent signs of improvement. Bernanke made no mention of winding the program down, clearing some confusion caused by the most recent Fed meeting minutes. Copper traders now looked ahead to key Chinese economic data later in the week to gauge the strength of the country's economic recovery. The Asian nation is slated to release data on fourth quarter gross domestic product on Friday, along with reports on industrial production and retail sales. For today's session market is looking to take support at 438.8, a break below could see a test of 436.4 and where as resistance is now likely to be seen at 442.8, a move above could see prices testing
444.3.

Trading Ideas:

Copper trading range for the day is 436.3-444.3.

Copper settled up after trading in range as appetite for growth-linked assets weakened amid fresh concerns over US debt ceiling.

U. S. President Barack Obama presented a tough negotiating stance about the debt ceiling.

Chile Escondida Workers to Vote on Pact in Late January