Copper prices have risen as the dollar has slipped, but gains have been capped by weak investment and industrial production data from top consumer China fuelling worries about demand.

Traders said the market was waiting to hear more on Donald Trump's plans for the US economy after his inauguration as president.

Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange closed 0.2 per cent up at $US5,748 a tonne but was on course for its first weekly loss since before the Christmas break.

The US dollar lost ground after New York opened, making commodities priced in the currency cheaper for non-US buyers, potentially boosting demand.

However, higher US interest rates later this year are expected to send the dollar above recent highs.

Source: Investing.com