BHP BILLITON REPORTS 9 PCT DROP IN SEPT QTR NET PROFIT.

MELBOURNE, Nov 1 Asia Pulse - Lower commodity prices and a drop in copper volumes due to a weak market have led to resources giant BHP Billiton (ASX:BHP) posting a nine per cent drop in net profit for the September quarter.

However, the dual-listed global company rewarded its shareholders with an increased interim dividend payout of seven US cents, up from 6.5 US cents.

The world's largest diversified miner booked a net profit of $US542 million ($A983 million) for the quarter, compared with $US597 million ($A1.08 billion) in the previous corresponding period.

Under UK accounting standards its net profit of $US572 million, a rise of 1.1 per cent, was towards the top end of market expectations.

Investors welcomed the result, achieved in tough economic conditions, pushing BHP Billiton shares 30 cents, or 3.2 per cent, higher to A$9.69.

Chief financial officer Chris Lynch warned that the current quarter will be as tough as the one just gone.

Mr Lynch said the global economy remained weak with China among the few countries showing growth.