On Tuesday, copper prices are under pressure at about four week lows, as persistent concerns about future demand from China are putting pressure on share prices.
During early London trading, on Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, copper futures for December delivery fell 0.5 cents, or 0.23%, to $ 2.314 per pound.
A day earlier, the price of copper fell to $ 2.288, its lowest level since October 2, after a couple of disappointing reports on manufacturing activity sparked fresh concerns over the health of the Chinese economy.
The final value of the business activity index in the manufacturing sector in China in October by Caixin, published on Monday, rose to 48.3 from 6.5-year low at 47.2 in September. Despite the modest rise, the activity has continued to decline for the eighth month in a row.
Meanwhile, official data released on Sunday showed that the index of business activity in the manufacturing sector (PMI) of China remained at 49.8 in October, the lowest level since August 2012. Analysts had expected an increase of the index to the level of 50.0.
The figure above 50.0 reflects an increase in the previous month; if it is below, then it is about a decrease. Copper traders are considering China's production figures as an indicator of Chinese copper demand as the red metal is widely used in the manufacturing sector.
The disappointing data fueled concerns that China's economy can still slow down, despite a series of incentive measures taken in the last months.
The Asian country is the world's largest consumer of copper, with its share of almost 40% of world consumption last year.
Gold futures for December delivery went down 30 cents, or 0.03%, to get traded at $ 1135.60 per troy ounce, as investors continue to get rid of the precious metal on expectations of tighter monetary policy.
The time of rate hike by Fed is a constant subject of discussion in the markets in recent months. This year, the US central bank will hold another political appointment in mid-December.