Copper rises for first time in four days, dollar climbs before Fed's decisions

Copper futures rose in American trade, while the dollar index eked out gains for the first time in three sessions, following earlier data from China, the world's largest energy importer, and the US, while the Federal Open Market Committee starts off its two-day policy meeting in Washington. 

As of 01:41 GMT, copper futures due on September 15 rose 0.59% to $280.85 a pound from the opening of $279.20, while the dollar index added 0.09% to 94.43 from the opening of 94.35. 

Earlier Chinese data showed the non-manufacturing PMI by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP) down to 54.0 in July from 55.0 in June, as the manufacturing PMI also dipped to 51.2 from 51.5 in June, missing estimates of 51.4. 

Stream of US Data 

Earlier US data showed personal spending rose 0.4% as expected in June, slowing down from 0.5% in May, while personal income rose 0.4% as expected as well. 

Unit labor costs rose 0.6% in the second quarter, slowing down from 0.8% in the first quarter and below estimates of 0.7%. 

The S&P House Price Index rose 0.2% m/m as expected in May, up from 0.16% in April, while slowing down to 6.51% on a yearly basis from 6.69% in May. 

Chicago PMI rose to 65.5 in July from 64.1 in June, beating expectations of 61.9. 

The CB consumer confidence survey rose to 127.4 in July from 127.1, revised from 126.4 in June, beating estimates of 126.5.