LONDON--Copper futures were higher on the London Metal Exchange Friday as traders laid bets that U.S. jobs data would paint a picture of improving economic growth.
The LME's three-month copper contract was up 0.5% at $6,676.50 a metric ton. Aluminum was 0.6% higher at $1,845.50 a ton.
All eyes are on the U.S. monthly nonfarm payrolls data, which are due for release at 1230 GMT. The report will be closely watched for clues as to the pace of the U.S. economic recovery.
"Most traders have positioned for a bullish outcome...as the bad weather [that previously dented jobs growth] is well behind us," said Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at Ava Trade. "A strong economy always bring more demand for construction and other related industries which could also increase the demand for copper."
Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal expect the U.S. economy added 200,000 jobs in March compared with a 175,000 gain the previous month.
Some strong Germany manufacturing data early Friday also lent a little support to base metal prices, said Richard Fu, director of Asian commodities trading at Newedge.
In other metals Friday, zinc was up 0.6% at $1,996.75 a ton, nickel was 1.4% higher at $16,529 a ton, lead was up 0.4% at $2,062.75 a ton and tin was up 0.04% at $23,200 a ton.
