Copper hits two-week high even as dollar advances

Copper futures rose over one percent in American trade away from February 12 lows for the second session, even as the dollar index gained ground, following earlier data from China, the world's largest metals consumer, and the US, the world's largest economy. 

As of 01:35 GMT, copper futures due on May 15 rose 1.40% to $318.20 a pound from the opening of $313.40, marking the highest since February 27, while the dollar index rose 0.17% to 89.82 from the opening of 89.66. 

Earlier Chinese data showed industrial production accelerated to 7.2% in February from 6.2%, while retail sales accelerated as well to 9.7% from 9.4%, below forecasts of 9.9%. 

Earlier US data showed producer prices accelerated to 0.2% from 0.1% in January, missing expectations of 0.4%, while core prices slowed down to 0.2% as expected from 0.4% in January. 

Retail sales dipped 0.1% in February, same as January and missing expectations of a 0.3% rise, while core sales accelerated to 0.2% from 0.1%, also missing forecasts of 0.4%.