Feb 18 (Reuters) - LME copper edged up in thin Asian

trade on Wednesday, after falling to a more than one-week low in

the previous session as high inventories of the ​red metal and a

firm dollar pressured prices.

Benchmark ‌copper on the LME added 0.4% to $12,670.50

a metric ton as of 0219 GMT. ⁠It had fallen 1.8% on Tuesday.

"The dollar's renewed strength this ⁠week has hindered the

performance of base metals. ‌Dollar-denominated metals feel ‌the

squeeze, especially in a market already starved of Asian

liquidity," said Tim Waterer, chief ​market analyst at KCM Trade.

The ‌dollar held its ground on Wednesday as geopolitical

risks kept markets on edge and investors awaited minutes from

the ​Federal Reserve for signals on ​future ‌rate cuts.

A stronger U.S. dollar makes greenback-priced metals more

expensive for holders of other currencies.

Copper stocks in LME-approved warehouses increased ⁠by 9,775

tons to 221,625 tons on Tuesday , the highest ⁠in

11 months.

"High inventories could take a little while to clear, given

the holiday conditions," Waterer said.

Meanwhile Chilean miner Antofagasta ( ANFGF ) posted a 52%

jump in annual core profit on Tuesday, as record high ⁠copper

prices ‌last year offset slightly weaker output. The miner ‌said

its increased capital spending would support production in the

medium term.

In ⁠other metals, zinc prices ticked up 0.2% to $3,291.0

, after touching a two-week low on Tuesday.

Aluminium added 0.3% to $3,043.0, breaking a

four-session losing streak. Lead gained 0.1% to

$1,947.50, tin lost 1.3% to $45,425 and nickel

was up 0.2% at $16,895 a ton.

Wednesday, February 18

DATA/EVENTS (GMT)

0700 UK Core CPI YY Jan

0700 UK CPI YY Jan

0700 ​UK CPI Services MM, YY Jan

0745 France CPI (EU Norm) Final MM, YY Jan

1300 US Durable Goods Dec

1300 US Housing Starts Number Dec

1415 US Industrial Production MM Jan

1900 US Federal Open Market Committee ​issues minutes from

its meeting ‌of January 27-28