World commodities markets generally put on a strong performance this year, according to recent figures.

Global economic recovery and a plunging dollar fuelled demand for metals, though some soft commodities such as cocoa and sugar bucked the overall trend.

Many commodities prices reached levels not witnessed for years, leading to supply worries in certain sectors.

Platinum soared to 23-year highs. An ounce of platinum rose by one-third over the year to $812 last week, against $607 a year earlier. Palladium had a less impressive year and was quoted at $200 last week, down from $236 a year earlier.

Base metal prices gained strongly, with nickel rising from $6,970 to $16,100, aluminium advanced to $1,595 from $1,380 a year earlier, zinc climbed to $1,005 from $814. Meanwhile, tin rallied to $6,300 from $4,180 and lead rose from $446 to $700.

Gold jumped to near eight-year highs, boosted by the weak dollar and the Iraq war, and an ounce of gold was fixed at $410.80 last week, up from about $350 in late 2002. Silver was quoted at $5.72, up from $4.72 in late 2002.

Oil prices saw a rollercoaster year, affected by strikes and the war in Iraq, while rubber prices bounced back in the face of increased demand.