India's copper futures may open steady on Wednesday as gains from better-than-expected economic data from the U.S. would be limited by a stronger rupee back home, analysts said. U.S. consumer confidence soared in May to its highest level in eight months as the strain on the labour market showed some signs of easing, boosting investors' hopes of bottoming for the U.S. economy. [ID:nN26489555] However, the Indian rupee strengthened after a two-day fall on Wednesday as gains in regional shares raised expectations for inflows into the domestic market, hurting copper, most of which is imported and paid for in the U.S. currency. The benchmark June copper MCCM9 on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) on Tuesday ended up 2.25 percent at 224.95 rupees. It may open around 225-225.5 rupees per kg, one analyst said. Copper prices are expected to trade up later in the day on increased investor appetite for riskier assets, he added. May zinc MZIK9 ended unchanged from its previous close at 70.5 rupees and lead for May delivery MLDK9 ended up 1.41 percent at 67.55 rupees per kg. GOLD: India's gold futures are seen opening down on weak overseas cues, analysts said. Overseas gold inched down on Wednesday to slip below $950 as firm stock markets continued to dull some of bullion's sheen. [nSP122423] The dollar rose against the yen on an improvement in U.S. consumer confidence, reducing the yellow metal's appeal as an alternative investment. June gold ended on Tuesday at 14,572 rupees, down 0.11 percent from the previous session. The benchmark June gold MAUM9 is likely to open around 14,530-14,500 rupees per 10 grams, one analyst said.

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