COMEX copper is lingering at its lowest level since Dec last year tracking firmness in dollar as inflationary concerns mount amid Middle East mayhem. The US-Israel war with Iran entered its fourth week with no sign of easing, with surging oil prices threatening economic activity and fueling inflation, prompting a hawkish tilt among major central banks. The red metal fell near $5.3 per pound mark and is down over 1% in early Asia today. Meanwhile, US stocks moved sharply lower on Friday with the extended nosedive, the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 plunged to their lowest closing levels in over six months.