COMEX estimated futures volume at 27,609 lots by 1:00 pm EST (1800 GMT). Final volume on Tuesday at 30,945. Open interest grew by 839 lots to 143,012 contracts as of January 19. Copper knocked down by China's latest move to tighten monetary policy by curbing banks lending. The move may slow economic recovery in the world biggest copper consumer and cut its demand for commodities - analysts.
Euro fell to five-month lows against the dollar as Greek bonds tumbled over worries about the Greek government's finances. A stronger US currency makes dollar-denominated metals less attractive for non-US investors. Market expects strong Chinese data due on Thursday, which could help fade worries about demand.
China's industrial output probably jumped 20 percent, it's fastest pace since February 2006, in the year to December, a Reuters survey showed. The biggest threat to industrial metals' prices this year will be rising inflation and interest rate hikes - analysts. LME copper for three-month delivery ended at $7,375 a tonne, down $170 from Tuesday's close.