Tensions, fears of war may lead to even more expensive cars, bread

The moves in these key Russian exports have far reaching consequences for US consumer prices

Commodities are trading at all-time highs, and that could have a wide-ranging impact on the price of everything from new cars to grilled cheese sandwiches. 

But it’s also happening beyond energy. Look at wheat and aluminium, for instance. Given that Russia and Ukraine combined make up a quarter of global grain exports, wheat and corn prices have risen on the possibility of a sudden supply crunch. It’s a similar story for aluminium, as Russia is a key producer of the metal.

The latest peak in the commodity spot index resembles the move ahead of the 2008 crash, as well as the 2011