Commodities were the market focus again on Tuesday, with oil prices remaining elevated and gold pushing through $2,000 an ounce, as investors contemplated the supply and inflationary implications of a possible US and European ban on Russian energy.Oil major Shell became the latest and biggest company with significant dealings with Russia to bow to public pressure to cut ties.The FTSE 100 index was

Commodities have enjoyed a surge in the first half of 2021 as the global economic recovery gathers pace and the outlook for demand gets stronger and stronger.Copper and iron ore have been two of the standout stars, their prices rising sharply over the past year as the rollout of coronavirus vaccines sparks a surge in economic activity and optimism over the worldwide recovery.A range of metals, cop

Global markets continued their recovery from last week's wave of selling as solid corporate earnings and a better than expected industrial confidence survey in Germany helped boost spirits.The pound recovered against the dollar and the euro, while crude oil prices firmed with Brent futures trading at $54.80/barrel.UK stocks built on Monday's strong close with a 1.4% gain in the FTSE 100 index to 7

The broadest definition of a commodity would see it classed as a good which is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market.What does this mean in real terms? Well, copper has a universal price which fluctuates on a daily basis in reaction to supply and demand.In contrast a produced good such as a smartphone is priced according to a number of different variables including: the stre

Shares in travel firm Thomas Cook (TCG) are among the biggest risers on the FTSE All Share this morning as Credit Suisse ups its recommendation from 'neutral' to 'outperform' and increases its price target from 112p to 160p.The investment bank says risks to forecasts have diminished and raises its forecasts for the next three years, including 2018, by between 4% and 10%.Its analysts cite the compa

Freezing January temperatures are a likely catalyst for people to start planning their sun-soaked getaway, city break or quiet retreat through tour operators such as Thomas Cook (TCG) or TUI (TUI).WHO HAS DELIVERED BETTER RETURNSOver the last five years, investors would have made the most money from Thomas Cook, which has a £1.91bn market value, with a 132.5% return.TUI is worth £9.12bn. Investo

A feasibility study on North River Resources' (NRRP:AIM) Namib lead/zinc project in Namibia is expected to show significant economic appeal. Although the document will not be published until the first quarter of 2014, the shares look primed to re-rate ahead of the study. There is renewed market interest in lead and mining investors are also seeking near-term cashflow stories. North River ticks bot