Mubasher: Copper prices on Monday fell as Chinese data confirming market worries that growth in the world’s second largest economy is losing momentum.

By 1:48 pm GMT, copper futures went down 1.12% to $2.688 per pound.

Chinese economy grew at its slowest pace in 28 years last year, subdued by the country’s trade conflict with the US which also impacted the outlook for Chinese exporters, with companies delaying investment and hiring.

China recently signalled its plan to combat a slowdown with a variety of stimulus measures, including extensive tax cuts.

With such measures as well as cautious hopes of trade negotiations between Beijing and Washington would probably buoy copper prices in the coming weeks.

While bilateral talks have shown some progress, ongoing divisions over technology risk further complications, with the US accusing China of intellectual property theft and cyber-espionage.