A golden touch

Energy and commodity rankings 2006

Historically, in uncertain times, investors turn to gold. But the current rise in gold prices owes as much to bullish investor sentiment and the sheer momentum of a year-long rally in gold than it does to concerns over global security, rising energy prices and weak US dollar exchange rates.

Gold and silver prices have both risen dramatically over the past 12 months – particularly in late 2005, when gold rose from $400 to $500 an ounce in a matter of weeks. By January 31, it had hit a 25-year high