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Episode 2

Michael Robinson investigates the skyrocketing prices of the world's basic goods.

Across the world the cost of basic commodities is soaring. Endless demand from China is blamed for the record price of copper; flood, fire and drought for boosting the cost of food; and political tension in the Middle East for the sharply-rising price of oil. But are such fundamental forces the whole story?

Michael Robinson asks whether investors and speculators are making prices more volatile and examines the role of the giant traders, banks and companies which now increasingly dominate the world's commodity markets.

Episode Two

Michael goes deep into the argument about supply and demand of a single commodity - copper.

Available now

23 minutes

Last on

Sun 5 Jun 2011 13:05GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 31 May 2011 08:05GMT
  • Tue 31 May 2011 12:05GMT
  • Tue 31 May 2011 15:05GMT
  • Tue 31 May 2011 19:05GMT
  • Wed 1 Jun 2011 01:05GMT
  • Sun 5 Jun 2011 13:05GMT