COMMODITIES

Copper futures recovered on Friday from a sell-off the previous day and but gained support by better than expected jobless data and factory orders in the United States. Prices also rose amid worries on short supplies from top exporter Chile.

Gold futures edged higher on Friday after recovering from earlier losses on a stronger dollar while posting a weekly loss of nearly $32 an ounce.

Wheat increased again for the first time in four days boosted by concerns that importers will increase purchases from the U.S.

Oil prices rose after four days of declines as the U.S. government released better than expected jobs data and as Turkey attacked Kurdish rebels in Northern Iraq near a rich oil field.

The FTSE 100 share index finished unchanged on Thursday, ending as it began the day at 6,087.3 points.

Natural gas spot prices increased in all trading regions in the Lower 48 States this report week (Wednesday–Wednesday, April 23-30). During the report week, the Henry Hub spot price increased $0.48 per million Btu (MMBtu) to $10.81.

Copper fell over 5 percent today as the dollar rose against the euro, diminishing demand for commodities used to compensate for inflation.

Gold futures fell to a four-month low on Thursday as the dollar gained against the euro and dampened the investment appeal of the precious metal.

Crude prices declined to $111 a barrel on Thursday as the dollar gained strength against the euro, easing demand for commodities.

Sugar tumbled in New York following a decline of crude oil that raised speculation that demand for alternative fuels such as ethanol made from sugar cane would fall.

Copper futures rose after a report on Wednesday said U.S. gross domestic product gained more than expected in the first quarter.

Gold futures rallied in electronic trading Wednesday, recovering losses from their decline in the regular session, after the Federal Reserve's announced its decision to cut the main U.S. interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 2 percent which boosted demand for the precious metal.

Factors Behind High Distillate Prices More Complex Than Gasoline With gasoline and diesel fuel prices continuing to rise at the retail pump, many consumers may be feeling they are taking a bath on fuel expenses. This feeling

Oil futures fell on Wednesday as the U.S. Energy Department reported today crude supplies rose more than expected.

Soybeans tumbled for the fifth consecutive session on concerns of reduced demand as the dollar regains.

Wheat declined on Tuesday after a U.S. government report showed that winter crop conditions improved reducing concern that global inventories will decline.

Copper futures in New York closed with a steep decline as the dollar rallied lowering appeal of commodities ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting.

Gold futures fell sharply Tuesday, as the U.S. dollar strengthened against major currencies and declining oil prices pressured investment demand for the precious metal.

Crude futures fell more than $3 a barrel on Tuesday as the North Sea pipeline restarted operations and the dollar gained strength versus the euro.

Sugar declined for the fourth time in New York on speculation of increased sugar output from Brazil flooding the market.

Gold futures rose on Monday after crude-oil contract hit a new record, raising the appeal of precious metals as a hedge against inflation.

Crude prices were steady on Monday retreating from a new record high near $120 a barrel in overnight trading, as concerns on supply disruptions appeared after a major pipeline in the U.K. was closed and an oil terminal was attacked in Nigeria.

Soybeans tumbled on Monday on speculation of cold, wet weather in the U.S. Midwest delaying corn seeding and increase planting of soybeans.

China's Railways Ministry plans to transport 10 million tons of grain from northeast to south in order to stabilize rice prices in south China, the Chinese official media CCTV reported today. The plan will be launched on May 1 and end on June 30, totally 60days.

BP Plc, the largest U.K. oil company, will shut down its Forties Pipeline System located in the U.K North Sea by 5:00 a.m. GMT Sunday due to a strike in a refinery which provides its power, BP reported on Saturday.

Copper futures rose on Friday on fears that a strike in Chile's Codelco may erode metals production. Falling inventories helped lifting prices today.

Natural Gas gained on Friday boosted by oil gains that spurred prices of the heating industrial fuel.

Wheat posted declines on Friday on concern of reduced global demand as India, the second largest consumer shifts to purchasing grain from local producers.

Gold edged higher on Friday after two-day slump, as energy cost increased and the U.S. dollar gained against other major currencies.