The Periodic Table of Commodity Returns (2014-2023)
January 18, 2024

The Periodic Table of Commodity Returns (2014-2023)


It was a challenging year for commodity returns in 2023.


But there were a few exceptions. Gold was a standout performer, reaching record highs of $2,135 an ounce. As rate cuts began to look more likely in 2024, investors sought out the safe-haven asset and a weaker dollar also boosted demand for gold.


Copper, meanwhile, barely etched its way into the green, as China’s slumping property market weighed on demand.



This graphic, based on U.S. Global Investors interactive research, shows commodity returns over the last decade.


Commodity Returns in 2023


After several years of strong performance, most commodities ended 2023 in negative territory, as the table below shows:

Commodity 2023 Return
Gold 13.10%
Copper 1.19%
Aluminium -0.17%
Silver -0.66%
Platinum -7.67%
Coal -9.97%
Crude Oil -10.73%
Zinc -12.10%
Palladium -12.93%
Wheat -20.71%
Corn -30.55%
Lead -38.63%
Natural Gas -43.82%
Nickel -45.21%
Lithium -81.43%

In a departure from other commodities, gold jumped over 13%, driven by investor demand and central bank purchases.



Over the first three quarters of 2023, global central banks bought roughly 800 tonnes of gold, with China, Poland, and Singapore being the top buyers.


Crude oil sank nearly 11%. In 2023, the U.S. produced a record 13.3 million barrels per day in mid-December, supported by growing operational efficiencies. The number of active U.S. oil rigs stands at 501—a 69% decline from a decade ago.


Also putting pressure on oil prices was slower global demand as interest rates notched higher.


Like crude oil, the supply of lithium and nickel were robust last year, causing prices to fall sharply. In fact, some major producers reined in production amid collapsing prices last year. The surplus in lithium supply is projected to reach 30,000 metric tons globally in 2024, outpacing demand.


Outlook for 2024


While slower global growth could dampen commodities demand in 2024, the easing of interest rates by the Federal Reserve could be beneficial.


ING projects that gold will hit new highs in 2024, with potential rate cuts supporting prices.


From a geopolitical standpoint, escalating tensions in the Middle East could lead to stricter U.S. sanctions of oil in Iran and tighter supplies. OPEC+ policy, which has pushed for supply cuts, could also influence oil prices.


Commodities used in the green energy transition—such as nickel, copper, lithium, and zinc—have mostly bearish outlooks. A significant supply glut in nickel could depress prices, with a forecasted 239,000 metric ton surplus in 2024.


Copper, lithium, and zinc are also forecast to have surpluses next year.


However, taking a longer-term view, the IEA projects that copper production from existing mines and those in construction will meet 80% of climate goal requirements by 2030. For lithium, it will meet just half of these requirements in the green energy transition.


Copyright © 2023 Visual Capitalist

VVC Appoints New President & Grants Options

March 18, 2025
TORONTO, March 18, 2025 - VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, (“VVC”), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following: Appointment of Officers The Directors appointed Mr. Bill Kerrigan as President and Chief Operating Officer of VVC. Mr. Kerrigan will continue to be President of Plateau Helium Corporation. Mr. James A. Culver will remain as CEO of VVC. VVC Chairman, Terrence Martell, commented, "As a representative of Management and the Board, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Culver for his years of service as President. I also welcome Mr. Kerrigan to his new role as President and I am confident that he will provide positive momentum for VVC." Option Grant The Directors also granted incentive stock options under its stock option plan, to officers, directors and consultants of the Company, to purchase up to an aggregate of 15,700,000 common shares, representing 2.74% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at a price of CA$0.05 per share expiring March 17, 2035. 25% of the options granted will vest immediately with the remaining vesting at 25% every six months. The exercise price was fixed at the minimum allowable price by the TSX Venture Exchange policies. The options, granted in accordance with the provisions of the Company's stock option plan, are subject to the TSX Venture Exchange policies and the applicable securities laws. Of the Options granted, 41.1% were to Directors, 30.3% to Officers and 28.7% to Employees/Consultants of the Company. About VVC Resources VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Copper & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Results of VVC Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

December 5, 2024
The Company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM”) took place virtually yesterday with 34 attendees (shareholders and guests). Total attendance in person and by proxy was 137 shareholders representing about 51.4% of the outstanding shares. At the AGM, shareholders approved the election of all Directors proposed by Management with over 90% of the tendered votes being in favor, and the re-appointment of MNP LLP as auditors of the Company with all of the tendered votes being in favor.
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