By Millie Munshi Sept. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Copper futures rose in New York, heading for a weekly gain, as a slump in the dollar boosted demand for commodities as a hedge against inflation. The U.S. Dollar Index fell as much as 0.4 percent. The gauge, a measure of the greenback against six major currencies, has fallen for six straight sessions, the longest slump since mid-March. Some traders buy commodities as the dollar falls to preserve purchasing power. “If the dollar continues to move lower, it gives the base metals some additional room on the upside,” said Matthew Zeman, a trader at LaSalle Futures Group in Chicago. “All eyes are on the currency right now.” Copper futures for December delivery rose 3.15 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $2.908 a pound at 9:39 a.m. on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. The metal has gained 1.4 percent this week. On the London Metal Exchange, copper for delivery in three months gained $61, or 1 percent, to $6,355 a metric ton ($2.88 a pound). Among other LME-traded metals, aluminum, nickel, lead, tin and zinc also rose.

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