Reuters

Copper prices held near two-year highs on Tuesday, supported by expectations of stronger demand from top consumer China, where a government-led infrastructure push has led to robust activity in the construction sector.

Gold prices edged lower from their highest levels in almost seven weeks on Tuesday as the dollar rose and investors locked in profits from bullion’s rally last month.

Oil slipped from a two-month high near $53 a barrel on Tuesday as ample global supplies countered strong demand and forecasts of another drop in U.S. crude inventories.

The dollar inched up from a 2-1/2 year low versus the euro on Tuesday, but its outlook remained clouded by U.S. political turmoil.

Asian shares ticked up in early Tuesday trade as investors looked to a barrage of economic data around the world to confirm recent signs the global economy is in robust health with inflation staying well contained.

Bitcoin’s underlying software code could be split on Tuesday to create a clone called “Bitcoin Cash,” potentially providing a windfall for holders of the digital currency.

The U.S. dollar hit a more than 2-1/2-year low against the euro on Monday on month-end portfolio adjustments and uncertainty over the U.S. political outlook .

Oil prices rose to two-month highs on Monday, ending the strongest month of the year for crude futures, boosted in part by expectations of U.S. sanctions against Venezuela’s oil sector and as supply concerns have waned in recent weeks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record closing high on Monday, helped by Boeing, while selling in Facebook, Alphabet and other technology companies checked the S&P 500 and pulled the Nasdaq lower.

A gauge of world stocks was little changed on Monday, as an advance in European shares faded and U.S. equities dipped, while the U.S. dollar slipping to near 13-month lows against other major currencies.