(December 22) – TD Bank economists expect commodity price to improve in 2000. Commodities have gained 19% on the strength of energy price rebounds, recovering much of the 20% drop inspired by the 1998 Asian crisis, says TD.

In November, oil was up. Gas was down and lumber followed. Gold and agriculture prices dropped. Nickel was flat.

“Looking ahead to the coming year, we expect a further rally in commodity prices as global economic conditions continue to strengthen,” says Teresa Courchene, director of economic research at TD.