Copper prices advance on factory output and imports

Copper advanced to its highest level in 7 weeks as industrial metals gained after data showed China bought more metal than a month ago and industrial production accelerated to the fastest pace in 8 months.

Metal for March delivery rose 0.9 percent to close at 57,980 yuan ($9,301) a ton on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Industrial production in China, the largest user, gained 10.1 percent in November from a year ago, the National Bureau of Statistics said.