Copper falls off four-week high after disappointing China data

Copper futures fell in American trade away from March 16 highs even as the dollar index dipped for the fourth straight session off early March highs, following earlier data from China, the world's largest metals consumer, and the US, and ahead of the Federal Reserve's minutes for the March 20-21 meeting. 

As of 01:45 GMT, copper futures due on May 15 fell 0.48% to $312.20 a pound from the opening of #313.70, while the dollar index shed 0.07% to 89.53 from the opening of 89.59, marking March 28 lows. 

Earlier data from China, which accounts for 40% of global copper demand, showed consumer prices slowed rose just 2.1% y/y in March, down from 2.9% in February, and missing expectations of 2.6%. 

Chinese producer prices rose just 3.1%, down from 3.7% in February and also missing forecasts of 3.2%. 

Earlier US data showed consumer prices fell 0.1% m/m in March, compared to a 0.2% rise in February while missing expectations of no-change, as core prices rose 0.2% in line with expectations in March. 

On a yearly basis, US consumer prices rose 2.4% as expected, up from 2.2% in February, while core prices rose 2.1% with no change, matching expectations.