US copper closes lower in extension of pullback

NEW YORK, May 14 (Reuters) - U.S. copper futures settled at their lowest levels since late March on Wednesday as a steadier tone in the dollar and weaker demand signals from China, the world's leading metals consumer, held a two-week downtrend in place, traders and analysts said.

NOTE: For detailed report, click on [MET/L].

* Copper for July delivery HGN8 ended down 5.05 cents at $3.6810 a lb on the COMEX metals division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, its lowest level on a closing basis since March 25. Range from $3.6525 to $3.7435.

* By 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT), COMEX copper volumes estimated at 12,898 lots. Final volumes on Tuesday hit 13,318 lots.

* Open interest in the market fell by 574 lots to 97,799 contracts open as of May 13.

* Copper market pressured by profit-taking correction from recent record high at $4.2605, set on May 5 - Pioneer Futures trading analyst Scott Meyers.

* Market trading up against key support at $3.67-$3.68. Resistance seen at $3.75 to $3.80 - trader.

* Copper market loses some support from Monday's earthquake in Sichuan province, a region of China not associated with copper mining and smelting activity. [ID:nSP248483]

* China earthquake having an adverse impact on copper market's near-term outlook as resources directed to rescue effort. Longer term, may be a supportive factor - Archer Financial Services futures analyst Steve Platt.