Oil fell below $70 a barrel today after a sell-off the previous day across commodity markets amid concern that near-record energy and raw material costs may hit demand and slow global economic growth.
Gold climbed above a one-week low, and copper eased further ahead of US data expected to show a pick-up in inflation last month that could influence the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates.
US crude oil was down 29 cents at $69.70 a barrel by 12.50pm Irish time after falling as low as $68.51 earlier and plunging $2.63 yesterday.
London Brent crude was up 15 cents to $69.82 a barrel.