Copper prices were up 0.42 per cent to Rs 450.35 per kg in futures trade today as speculators built up fresh positions amid uptick in demand at the spot market and a firm trend overseas.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, copper for delivery in April edged higher by Rs 1.90, or 0.42 per cent, to Rs 450.35 per kg in a business turnover of 1,848 lots.
However, the metal for delivery in June contracts held steady at Rs 454 per kg in 872 lots.
Marketmen said fresh positions built up by participants after demand from consuming industries picked up in the physical markets amid a firm trend overseas led to the rise in copper prices at futures trade.
Globally, copper for delivery in three-month edged up by 0.4 per cent to USD 6,827 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange.