GLEAMING COPPER: The price of copper rose on a bet that it may be one of the first commodities to benefit if the U.S., Europe and China prove successful in building up their economies. Investors consider copper a barometer of global economic health because it is used throughout manufacturing.

GOLDEN HEDGE: The price of gold rose as investors bought contracts to hedge against possible inflation in the months ahead.

FUELING UP: Oil, gasoline and heating oil ended higher. Investors hope that demand will increase if the economy improves.