SunSirs: Commodities Roundup: Oil Holds Steady, Copper Dips Slightly, Gold Surges

--> --> --> Crude oil prices held steady; amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, traders closely monitored progress on a potential agreement between Iran and Oman to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Copper prices edged lower on Friday but still posted a weekly gain, as signs of tightening supply emerged in the market. Gold prices surged as weak employment data eased concerns about a potential near-term interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve.