Investing in metals and minerals

Steel bars

Industrial, or 'base' metals, include copper, aluminium and steel. Demand for copper in particular is seen as a key indicator of the health of the global economy. There are now several ways for investors to play metal prices.

Recent articles (3)

Miners cash in on iron ore boom

(12 March 10)

With the spot price of iron ore more than doubling as the global economy has recovered, the big three mining companies are in a strong position as they negotiate prices for 2010-11.

There's only one way for this commodity to go - up

(26 February 10)

Demand for uranium is already outstripping supply, and the world's post-Cold War stockpiles are running low. With nuclear energy back in vogue, demand is only going to rise. And that means the price must go up too, says Chris Mayer.

Lithium extraction, Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia. © Noah Friedman-Rudovsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Make money from the metals China really wants

(12 February 10)

This year's negotiations over iron ore prices will be fractious. Miners want record prices, but with China tightening credit, it's hard to see how surging demand can last, says John Stepek. An obscure corner of the market - rare earth metals - holds much more promise for investors.