Copper prices slide by 0.51 % on Thursday at the domestic markets after service sector
activity in the US grew at a faster rate than expected in January, easing concerns over the
economic outlook which increased the desired outlook for the metal. The Institute of Supply
Management said its non-manufacturing purchasing managers index increased to 56.7 last
month from a reading of 56.2 in December. Analysts had expected the index to inch up to 56.3
in January. At the MCX, copper futures for February 2015 contract were trading at Rs.353.15
per 1 kg, downward by 0.51 %, after opening at Rs. 353.90 against the last day of ending price of
Rs. 354.95. It touched the intra-day low of Rs. 352.45 till the trading.

Gold futures increased by 0.53 % on Thursday at the domestic markets as investor’s eye renewed worries over Greece's debt woes and ahead of Chinese New Year desired that may be stoked in part by easier monetary policy. Prices increase after data showed that U.S. Non-farm private employment increased less-than-expected in January and after China's central bank cut requirement ratios in a surprise determination. Payroll processing firm ADP said non- farm private employment increased by 213,000 in January, below expectations for an increase of 225,000 and slowing from jobs gains profit of 253,000 in December. At the MCX, Gold futures for February 2015 contract was trading at Rs 27,875 per 10 grams, upward by 0.53 % after opening at Rs 27,875, against the last day of ending price of Rs 27,729. It touched the intra-day max of Rs 27,901 till the trading.