COMMODITIES

Refinery utilization was lower than typical in first quarter 2008. Actual first-quarter 2008 utilization averaged 84.7 percent, compared to the average of 89.1 percent during first quarter 2001 through 2005 (years where first quarter

Gold futures closed with modest gains on Tuesday on speculation a weak dollar and soaring energy cost will boost the demand for the precious metal while another round of weak U.S. data boosted concerns about economic growth.

Gold futures rebounded on Monday and closed with strong gains after the U.S. dollar declined, boosting the investment appeal of the precious metal.

Gold gained on Friday, erasing earlier losses on speculation that higher food and energy prices will spur inflation, while the dollar strengthened against the euro and other major currencies, lowering the investment appeal of the precious metal.

Since Wednesday, June 4, natural gas spot prices increased at most markets in the Lower 48 States, as a heat wave gripped much of the Lower 48 States. However, prices eased in trading yesterday (June 11) in response to

Crude oil futures ended with gains on Thursday as speculation rose that a renewed strike in Nigeria may curb supplies.

Gold futures fell on Thursday to a five week low after the dollar rebounded, lowering the investment appeal of the precious metal.

The gaming rooms at Monaco’s famous Monte Carlo Casino resonate with people trying their luck at the baccarat, poker, and craps tables. No one knows who will break the bank or who will go home broke. Although wise gamblers

Copper futures recovered earlier losses on Thursday as the dollar fell and demand for metals rose to compensate for inflation.

Gold futures fell to its lowest level in three weeks on Thursday; dropping more than $21 an ounce, on speculation the U.S. will increase interest rates in order to protect the dollar which dampened the demand for the precious metal as an alternative investment.

Spot gas at most market locations (outside the Rocky Mountain Region) traded above $10 per million Btu (MMBtu) this report week (Wednesday-Wednesday), with many points registering prices in excess of $12 per MMBtu.

Crude oil futures climbed on Thursday as the dollar fell on speculation that the European Central Bank may raise interest rates next month, pressured by inflation.

Copper futures ended with losses on Tuesday on fears of slowing demand from China and gains in the dollar after comments by Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke.

Gold futures fell $11 an ounce on Tuesday after the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke hinted that the Fed will not implement any further cuts to borrowing costs for now, sending the dollar higher and dampening the investment appeal of the precious metal as an alternative investment.

Crude slumped as the dollar strengthened on Monday after Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke's comments suggesting the Fed is likely to stop cutting rates.

Gold futures rose more than $5 an ounce on Monday on speculation that investors may stock up on the metal after the metal made its largest weekly price drop since mid-March, causing the dollar to drop.

Copper rose nearly 5 cents on Friday as a report that stockpiles diminished raised expectations that demand is growing.

Gold futures ended higher on Friday for the first time this week, up more than $22 an ounce for the month, but down 4 percent for the week after declining for three consecutive sessions. Silver gained more than 2 percent.

Gold futures tumbled as much as $28 an ounce on Thursday, the most in nearly six weeks after the dollar continued to climb, lowering the appeal of the precious metal as an alternative investment while oil prices dropped.

Natural gas spot price movements were mixed this report week (Wednesday–Wednesday, May 21-28), with price decreases generally occurring in markets west of the Mississippi River and price increases

Good, Better, and Best-A Comparison of Weekly, Monthly, and Annual Data When buyers are confronted with a major purchase, they often weigh their options by considering whether to buy a good, better, or best product. All

Crude oil prices rallied on Wednesday, recovering earlier losses and reacting to a new forecast by Morgan Stanley projecting Brent Crude prices will hit as much as $150 a barrel.

Gold futures fell for the second day on Wednesday in New York as the dollar strengthened, lowering the appeal of the precious metal as an alternative investment.

Gold futures closed down almost $18 an ounce on Tuesday, dropping the most in four weeks as energy costs fell and lowered the demand for the contract as a hedge against inflation.

U.S. stocks recovered earlier gains as lower crude oil prices dragged energy companies shares down, while lifting airlines and bleak data showed a mixed picture of the housing sector.

Gold futures rose higher on Friday and recorded a third straight weekly gain of almost 3 percent as weakness in the U.S. dollar a and surging energy costs boosted the demand for the precious metal as a hedge against inflation.

Copper fell on Thursday to its lowest this week as the dollar gained and investors are concern demand from the U.S. is weakening.

Crude prices declined more than $2 a barrel on Thursday as traders sold on profit taking and the dollar rallied against the euro.

Gold futures ended sharply lower on Thursday, down from a one-month high as the dollar rose against other major currencies and crude oil dropped from a record, eroding the appeal of the precious metal as a hedge against inflation.