A stressful week in markets got even worse for some metals traders when the main exchange’s software misfired by generating erroneous margin calls.

Energy funds have risen 24.7% this year, while precious metals and agriculture funds climbed 12.6% and 9.8% respectively.

The Ukrainian conflict could roil the world's economic outlook in unpredictable ways, exacerbating those inflationary pressures, analysts say.

Government agencies have been ordered to push state-owned buyers to scour markets for materials including oil and gas, iron ore, barley and corn to fill any potential gaps.

Aluminum prices bolted to a fresh record peak on Wednesday as investors worried that logistics difficulties would block metals supplies due to tough sanctions on major producer Russia.

Glencore currently owns a 10.55% stake in En+ Group, the controlling shareholder of aluminum giant United Co.