Gold was trading near its highest level in over six months on weaker equities and as Crimea voted to join Russia, heightening tensions between Moscow and the West. Domestic gold mine production in 2013 was estimated to be about 227 tonnes, down 3% with an estimated value of $10.2bn.
US wheat futures rose nearly 1%, extending two-day gains to nearly 3%, as escalating tensions in Ukraine raised fears over potential curbs to exports.
Hedge funds turned their most bullish on agricultural commodities for three years, as they flocked to bet on higher grain prices amid the mounting tensions over Ukraine, and raised the stakes on the sugar rally too.
Brent futures edged higher to hold above $108 a barrel as the deepening crisis in Ukraine led to supply disruption worries.
London copper was steady, hovering close to last week's three-year lows in light trade as concerns about Chinese growth capped gains and eroded buying interest.
