COPPER STOCKS OUTSIDE U.S. INCREASE IN DECEMBER

  Refined copper stocks held by
  refineries outside the U.S. increased to a preliminary 277,500
  short tons at the end of December from a preliminary 270,000
  short tons (revised higher) at the end of November, the
  American Bureau of Metal Statistics said.
      London Metal Exchange stocks fell to 193,100 tons in
  December from 194,400 tons in November. Combined refinery and
  LME stocks rose to a preliminary 470,600 tons from 464,400 tons
  (revised higher). January LME stocks were 193,400 tons.
      Preliminary figures showed refined production outside U.S.
  lower at 377,300 tons in December versus 384,000 tons in
  November. Crude output decreased to 421,500 tons from 427,000
  tons (revised higher). Refined copper deliveries decreased to
  359,800 tons from 375,400 tons (revised lower).
  

