India copper futures are expected to open lower on Monday tracking international markets, where worries about a possible oversupply in China pressured the metal, analysts said. A rising rupee, after a clear election victory for the Congress-led alliance, may also pressure the dollar-quoted red metal, they added. The benchmark June contract MCCM9 on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) closed 0.3 percent lower at 221.10 rupees per kg in the previous session. It may open at 218.50 rupees per kg, said Kunal Shah, an analyst with Nirmal Bang Commodities. Copper stocks at warehouses monitored by the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose 7,699 tonnes in the week ended last Friday, its third straight week of gains. "Copper may test 215/216 rupees later in the session on strong currencies," said Shah. Copper may trade between 215-223 rupees on Monday, Abhishek Chauhan, technical analyst with Angel Commodities, said. The May zinc futures MZIK9 ended 0.6 percent higher at 73.05 rupees per kg, while lead for May delivery MLDK9 closed 0.6 percent higher at 73.00 rupees per kg in the previous session. GOLD: Futures are likely to open flat-to-lower pressured by a rising rupee, analysts said. The benchmark June contract MAUM9 closed 0.6 percent lower at 14,747 rupees per 10 grams in the last session. It may open at 14,700 rupees, said Harish Galipelli, head of research with Karvy Comtrade. The Indian rupee strengthened past 49 per dollar for the first time in three months and turned positive for the year after the ruling coalition scored a clear victory in the general elections. "Gold may continue to trade in 14,500-15,000 due to lack of fresh leads," said Galipelli. Short-term support is pegged at 14,300 rupees, added Nirmal Bang's Shah.

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