Copper futures edge up before the weekend

Copper futures titled higher in American trade as the dollar index gave up ground, following earlier data from the US, the world's largest economy. 

As of 02:41 GMT, copper futures due on July 15 rose 0.21% to $257.10 a pound from the opening of $256.55, while the dollar index fell 0.10% to 97.34 from the opening of 97.44. 

Earlier US data showed building permits and housing starts down unexpectedly in May, while markets await the preliminary reading for the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey in June, as Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Robert Kaplan is expected to speak at the Rotary Club of Park Cities, in Dallas.