COMMODITIES

Renewed concerns over tight supplies and expectations of strong demand in the last quarter of the year sent lead prices to a record high on Thursday, while copper rose to a two-month high on a weak dollar.

Oil rose sharply to $83 a barrel on Thursday as a weak dollar and supply worries ahead of the winter heating season encouraged buying by financial investors.

Gold fell in Europe on Wednesday, consolidating a recent run to 28-year peaks as the dollar rebounded slightly from record lows versus the euro and took some shine off bullion's appeal for non-U.S. investors.

The weak dollar's leading role in oil's ascent to record highs is partly due to a tide of financial flows into commodity investments but also reflects a shift in the greenback's relationship with crude.

Oil rose back above $80 on Wednesday, after three days of losses, with investors expecting weekly U.S. data to show crude stocks declining further in the world's top consumer.

Copper closed at the highest in almost eight weeks as a slumping dollar made the metal cheaper for buyers using other currencies.

New York gold futures ended firmer near 28-year highs on Monday after the dollar fell to an all-time low against the euro.

Crude oil fell for a second day towards $81 a barrel, retreating from record highs hit last week as producers in the Gulf of Mexico returned workers to oil rigs evacuated last week.

Gold gained on Monday and hovered near a 28-year high after a weak U.S. dollar spurred buying from investors and speculators, who believed the price could rise further as fundamentals supported the metal.

Oil prices fell on Monday, as oil and gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico restored more output after a mild storm triggered evacuation and production cuts.

Oil prices slipped a little on Friday, after hitting a succession of record highs this week which were fuelled in part by oil company production shutdowns in the Gulf of Mexico because of a storm threat.Oil slipped below $82 on Friday, but was still close to record highs because of concerns over supply disruptions from a storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gold rose to its highest in nearly three decades on Friday as a struggling U.S. dollar lifted its safe-haven appeal and purchases from speculators helped the metal defy selling pressure.Gold hit a 28-year high in Europe on Friday as the dollar's continued slide to record lows versus the euro raised the metal's appeal to speculative investors.

Crude oil continued its march to new records on Thursday, settling above $83 on a plunging dollar and concerns about a storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

Investors continued to flock to Gold on Thursday sending it to another 27-year high on Thursday amid expectations of continuing lower U.S. interest rates brought on by a tough credit market and a weak outlook for the slumping U.S. dollar.

Oil hovered around $82 a barrel on Thursday as sinking U.S. crude inventories and the threat of a storm gathering near Florida increased worries of a winter supply crunch in the world's top consumer.

Spot gold prices surged to a 28-year high in European trade on Thursday, as the dollar sank to record lows against the euro and oil traded near all-time highs -- raising the precious metal's appeal for investors.

Gold firmed on Thursday and held within sight of its 16-month high of $726 an ounce, but the metal was seen trading in a tight range before challenging its highest level in nearly three decades.

Oil hovered above $82 a barrel on Thursday as sinking U.S. crude inventories and the threat of a storm gathering near Florida increased worries of a winter supply crunch in the world's top consumer.

Oil prices on Wednesday closed at a new record-high near $82 per barrel on Wednesday after a report shows that crude reserves dropped more than expected.

Gold prices continued to advance Wednesday on expectations that lower interest rates will weaken the dollar, increasing the desirability of alternative investments.

Energy futures soared on Wednesday following the Fed's half-point rate cut yesterday and new inventory data that surfaced.

Oil will continue to trend higher after hitting fresh highs over $82 a barrel but are unlikely to puncture the $100 level this year, Texas oilman and investor T. Boone Pickens said on Wednesday.

U.S. gold futures rose early on Wednesday on strong follow-through buying and inflationary worries, extending gains from Tuesday when gold contracts surged to a 28-year high after the Federal Reserve half-percentage point rate cut.

Oil slipped on Wednesday after setting a record high above $82 a barrel, with dealers eyeing a diminishing storm threat to oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Oil rose above $82 a barrel on Wednesday, closing in on a record hit the previous day after the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate cut raised expectations of still robust energy demand in the world's top consumer.

In view of its huge development potential, more and more foreign companies have been showing a keen interest in entering China’s coal industry.

Here is a brief roundup of Tuesday movement in the energy sector, with a look at crude oil and natural gas futures and oil stocks.

Oil jumped to a peak over $82 a barrel after the U.S Federal Reserve slashed interest rates and elevated concerns of a low winter supply.

OPEC will probably hold consultations about a further output increase if the price of oil stays above $80 a barrel for more than 15-20 days, an OPEC source said on Tuesday.