Several analysts said copper could fall some more in the next couple of months due to this uncertain backdrop, and also because of slower seasonal demand during the vacation season and maintenance shutdowns in the Northern Hemisphere.

FORBES: Copper Expected To Languish Over Summer But Pick Up Into Year-End

The onset of the Libyan crisis fortuitously coincided with the peak of the European refinery outages, primarily linked to seasonal maintenance work, and thus lower demand for crude oil.

FORBES: Obama Taps Petroleum Reserve. Consider This Q.E. 3

As its initial action, the Task Force forged partnerships with the five largest manufacturing credentialing bodies to provide opportunities for service members to gain industry-recognized, nationally-portable certifications for high-demand manufacturing jobs -- including welding, machining, maintenance, and logistics -- almost all of which have median hourly wages above the national average.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House