The Driving Force?

Since June-July of 2010 the price of commodities have increased notably. Whether one is an optomist or a pessimist it seems that the world market recovery remains the biggest hedge game there is. There is civil and political unrest in all regions of the world.

My question is: How should the influence (imposition) of government in the free market impact the decision-making of a person whose involvement in investing is relatively low?