Commodities: A Cautionary Tale

To retaliate for White House targeting of its technology sector, Beijing could limit exports of the elements crucial to U.S. tech production. But such a move would carry a steep price.

The aftermath of the worst-ever natural disaster to hit the southern hemisphere risks exacerbating already dire economic and political situations in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

A glut of oil in the market means prices are likely to remain low throughout 2019. That's likely to bring contrasting fortunes to major oil producers around the globe.

With finances running low, the Venezuelan government is looking to divert funds from the country's main income earner: the state oil company.

Countries are seeking greater national control over their natural resources these days. While this pursuit is consistent with long-term trends, the medium-term outlook is more cyclical.

Traditional uses for copper, such as in electricity transmission and construction materials, will still dominate, even as electric vehicle use bumps up demand for the metal. This reality puts its suppliers in a complicated position.

Yemen's Houthi rebels managed to dissuade Saudi Arabian oil tankers from transiting the crucial Bab el-Mandeb strait, affecting the ability of one of the world's leading energy suppliers to deliver to their customers.

As the most dominant source for in-demand cobalt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is trying to profit as much as it can with weighty new mining regulations.

President Nicolas Maduro and his administration have done whatever it takes to hold onto power in Venezuela. After the country's presidential election, the United States will start to consider heavier sanctions.

The group of countries that agreed to cut crude oil production and reverse the slide in oil prices are set for financial gain, while consumers can expect to pay more.