Copper prices in China fluctuated and edged lower last week. A strong U.S. dollar index and slowing trading activity around the half-year end pushed prices down on Wednesday and Thursday, dragging the weekly average lower. However, the U.S. dollar index later fell after weaker U.S. labor market data, allowing copper prices to recover late in the week. As a result, the average price for the week posted only a marginal decline. Refined copper trading slowed early last week amid mid-year corporate fund settlements, but consumption picked up entering July. Moreover, although some imported copper flowed into certain markets, domestic smelter shipments remained low. As a result, China's refined copper retail inventory continued to decline, supporting spot premiums.