Just when it seemed like inflation was on the wane, another rally in commodity markets suggests just the opposite. [This week's unexpected jump in the core CPI also caught the market's attention]. Chart 1 shows the DB Commodities Tracking Fund (DBC) challenging its late November peak at 25.33. A close above that chart barrier would signal even higher commodity prices. Most commodity indexes benefitted from crude oil closing back over $60 and strong gains in precious metals, copper, and agricultural markets. [Corn hit a new 10-year high]. Since most commodity indexes have a heavy energy weight, they've been held down by energy prices since the start of the year. Chart 2 gives a better idea of how commodity markets are doing outside of energy. The CRB Continuous Index (CCI) has a smaller energy weighting than most other commodity indexes (including the CRB Reuters/Jefferies Index) and a heavier agricultural weighting. Chart 2 shows the CCI breaking out to a new record high on Thursday. The commodity bull market is alive and well. The Fed recently cited the drop in commodity prices as evidence that inflation was slowing. This week's upturn may cause some rethinking of that view.
