From the market nuggets section on Kitco describing a conference last week:

Market Nuggets: BMO: Copper ‘Preferred Commodity’ At Conference; Gold Sentiment Mixed

Friday March 1, 2013 2:40 PM

Copper appeared to be a “preferred commodity” while investor sentiment toward gold was mixed at this week’s annual BMO Global Metals and Mining conference in Florida, the firm says. BMO Research describes the mood as “more subdued” than at previous year’s conferences. “’Prudent capital management’ has become the new mantra for mining companies, particularly senior producers,” BMO says in a recap of the event. “Serial underperformers remain in the penalty box, and may not emerge in the near term as funds continue to flow out of the sector. For intermediate and junior producers with healthy balance sheets, M&A remains on the table. While there is a sense of some deals circling the runway, none are landing. As the equity markets are providing very little support for project financing, the trend of high-yield or streaming agreements is expected to continue for some time. Copper remains the preferred commodity. Sentiment for gold prices this year is mixed. BMO Research continues to recommend a ‘flight to quality’ strategy for mining equities.”

One less thing to worry about.