Copper prices rose on Wednesday after a sharp decline in the previous session, as investors focused on tight inventories outside the U.S., even as traders questioned whether demand would be sustained. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.4% at $12,796 per metric ton as of 1700 GMT, after closing down 1.6% on Tuesday. The metal hit a record high of $13,407 one week ago. "While the broader base metals complex remains volatile, structural tightness continues to underpin prices," Neil Welsh, head of metals at Britannia Global Markets, said in a note. The premium of the cash LME copper ... (full story)