Copper buoyed by Chinese imports

Copper prices rose today on optimism towards trade negotiations between US and China, in addition to stronger Chinese imports of the metal. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced talks today with the US delegation in Beijing solved several sticking points, noting the talks will carry on to next week. 

China alone imports nearly half the global output of copper, with recent data indicating a spike in January. 

The dollar index steadied at 97.1, with a session-high at 97.3, and a low at 97.02. 

As of 014:56 GMT, copper rose 0.3% to $277.1 a pound, with a session-high at $280.9, and a low at $275.1.