MARKET TALK: LME Copper Bullish From Mid-Feb On China

LME copper looks bullish from mid-February as Chinese buyers expected to return to market after period of heavy destocking in 2006, says Investec; notes LME copper stocks at 193,800 tons only represent around 4 days of global consumption leaving the market still vulnerable to supply disruptions; "the Chinese may see the large fall in prices as an opportunity not to be missed." LME 3-month copper last at $5,890/ton, up $1 on yesterday's PM kerb, but down up to 14.4% since start of year.