Indian copper futures traded firm on Thursday in anticipation of a better-than-expected U.S. GDP data, analysts said. "The U.S. GDP numbers are expected to be better and the markets here are up anticipating that," said Kunal Shah, assistant vice-president, Nirmal Bang Commodities Ltd. Some analysts also said that the Federal Reserve's comments supported prices as it reiterated support for the U.S economy, analysts said. "The Fed's comments indicated that although its not all smooth yet, the effects of the recession were easing," said Tejas Seth, senior technical analyst with SMC Comtrade. After keeping interest rates near zero percent, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday it saw signs that the deep U.S. recession was easing, but acknowledged that economic activity will remain weak for a time. [ID:nN24163547] At 4.40 p.m., benchmark June copper MCCM9 was up 0.58 percent at 243.85 rupees per kg. Better-than-expected durable goods data from the U.S. on Wednesday also pushed up prices, analysts said. [ID:nN24159862] Buying was recommended at 241-242 rupees with a stop loss of 239 rupees and a target of 247-250 rupees, said SMC Comtrade's Seth. Other metals including nickel, lead, zinc rose tracking copper, analysts said.

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