Copper prices dipped on Monday, restrained by climbing inventories and a weak global economic backdrop that was partly offset by Chinese restocking and a weaker dollar. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was down 0.3% at $9,964.50 a metric ton by 1415 GMT after edging up 0.5% on Friday. LME copper has gained 14% this year but has retreated from last week’s 15-month peak of $10,192.50. “I’m a bit puzzled by the strength we’re seeing in prices at the moment,” said Carsten Menke, analyst at Julius Baer in Zurich. “Globally, the economy is softening rather than maintaining strength, no matter ... (full story)