Copper prices jumped the most in a week on optimism that U.S. government stimulus plans may revive metal demand and the sagging economy. Bank of America got a $138 billion lifeline, and the U.S. Senate yesterday voted to allow the use of $350 billion in financial-rescue funds. Copper, which often moves in line with prospects for the economy, rose as much as 7.7 percent today. Government spending “could make markets breathe somewhat easier in the days ahead,” Edward Meir, an analyst at MF Global Ltd. in Darien, Connecticut, said in a report. “We could see a somewhat better tone set in for metals.” Copper futures for March delivery rose 8.7 cents, or 6 percent, to $1.5405 a pound at 9:30 a.m. on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. A close at that price would mark the biggest gain for a most-active contract since Jan. 6. Before today, the price tumbled 66 percent from a record $4.2605 a pound on May 5. On the London Metal Exchange, copper for delivery in three months gained $114, or 3.5 percent, to $3,394 a metric ton ($1.54 a pound).

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