India copper futures are expected to open lower on Monday tracking markets in London, but a weaker rupee may limit losses later in the session, analysts said. At 9:15 a.m., three-month London copper was lower by 2.41 percent at $3,362 a tonne. "We expect sideways to lower movement in copper today on higher inventories and demand worries," said Vishal Maniyar, an analyst with Karvy Comtrade. Investor participation may be affected due to a holiday in the U.S., Maniyar added. The U.S. markets will be closed on Monday due to the Presidents Day federal holiday. The benchmark February contract MCCG9 on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) ended at 166.10 rupees per kg. The red metal may open at around 163 rupees. Copper may trade in the range of 160-167 rupees for the day, said Pranav Mer, an analyst with India Infoline in Mumbai. February zinc MZIG9 ended at 55.65 rupees per kg, while lead for February MLDG9 closed at 56.15 rupees per kg. GOLD: India's gold futures are expected to open lower on continued profit-taking, after hitting an all-time high of 14,824 last week, an analyst said. "Further profit-taking could take place in gold to 14,550 levels," said India Infoline's Mer. The benchmark April gold contract MAUJ9 closed at 14,629 rupees per 10 grams, after gaining 3.5 percent during last week.

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