Copper prices steadied on Wednesday, supported by optimism over an expected end to the U.S. government shutdown while the market awaited the release of loans data from top consumer China to gauge demand prospects. Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange was flat at $10,827 a metric ton at 1122 GMT. It hit a record high of $11,200 last month on mine supply shortages caused by disruptions including an accident in Indonesia. The U.S. House of Representatives is due to vote on Wednesday afternoon on a compromise that would restore funding to government agencies and end a shutdown that started on October 1. Traders ... (full story)