India's copper futures traded lower on Thursday on weak international markets, where a firm dollar against other currencies spurred selling, analysts said. However, declining copper inventories in the London Metal Exchange kept the downside limited, they added. Copper stocks fell by 5,200 tonnes to 475,200 tonnes on Thursday. The benchmark April contract MCCJ9 was 1.29 percent lower at 237.85 rupees per kg at 3:26 p.m., falling from a high of 242.8 rupees. At 3:26 p.m., three-month LME copper was 1.55 percent lower at $4,767. "There are no major triggers as of now," said Harish Galipelli, head of research with Karvy Comtrade in Hyderabad. Copper may trade in the range of 235-240 rupees later in the session, said Somnath Dey, in-charge metals and energy research with Religare Commodities. Analysts said traders would be looking at weekly jobless claims and U.S. housing starts slated later in the day for direction. April zinc MZIJ9 was 0.61 percent higher at 74.75 rupees per kg, while lead for April delivery MLDJ9 was 1.11 percent lower 76.05 rupees per kg.

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