Gold is the winner of recent market volatility as investors flea to the perceived safety of this precious metal. In contrast, crude and copper, which are the commodities that are most dependent on economic growth, are the losers of the last few weeks due to fear of a recession. Meanwhile, rice has also outperformed other commodities of late due to flooding in Thailand, the world's largest rice producer. Soybeans, corn and wheat have also done well due to hot July weather in the U.S. and subsequent damage to crops. In the weeks ahead the most vulnerable commodities are expected to continue to be influenced by the widespread mayhem of financial markets.