What are Roubini's new predictions? This time the noted economist is future casting the price of commodities. He is looking for the global economy to move toward growth in the later part of 2009 into 2010.

When the world moves into greater production, the need for raw materials rises. Roubini, sees commodity prices moving up during this expansion stage.

Already China's $585 billion stimulus package has spurred lending and sent share prices skyrocketing. China's economic growth surged 7.9% from a year earlier and is well on the way to meeting its target of 8% growth this year. China's purchasing manager's index stood at 53.3 in July, up from 53.2 in June. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the the economy.

Is there a big commodities rally underway? Let's look at the numbers:

• The Commodity Research Bureau index (CRB) of 19 energy, metal and agricultural prices gained 14%, the most since 1974
• Gasoline soared 30% in May
• Gold and copper also surged
• Corn and soybeans reached their highest levels since last September
• Crude oil has jumped 29%, the most since 1999
• Gasoline futures for June delivery surged 31%, the most since 2006
• Cotton futures were up
• Gold is at $980.00 per ounce
• Silver posted the biggest monthly gain in 22 years

So you are probably asking: What is fueling this rally?

So far this year, the Commodity Research Bureau Index is up 16.62%. Given all the headlines about high prices at the pump and near-$100 a barrel crude oil, some might naturally assume the best performer among the six sub-groups in the benchmark index is energy. That is incorrect.

In fact, the grain sector is the true king of commodities for 2007. This CRB sub-group, which includes wheat, corn, and soybean futures, has outpaced the broader measure of commodity futures prices by 34.61%, a relative gain around twice that of the energy complex.

Here is a breakdown of the performance (in percent) of the various sub-groups relative to the CRB (through yesterday):

Michael Panzner is a 25-year veteran of the global stock, bond, and currency markets and the author of Financial Armageddon: Protecting Your Future from Four Impending Catastrophes and The New Laws of the Stock Market Jungle.