US stocks fell after a weak reading on U.S. consumer confidence trumped early enthusiasm for a European Union pact to tighten fiscal ties. The Dow Jones declined 75 points, or 0.6%, to 12578 in midday trade . The S&P 500 fell 5 points, or 0.4%, to 1308 and the Nasdaq declined 10 points, or 0.4%, to 2802. Continue Reading…

London Stocks Close Up But Off Highs

FTSE 100 ends up 0.2% at 5681.61, well off the day’s highs, as weaker-than-expected US data dent sentiment. Still, investors welcome the outcome of the EU summit and signs that a Greek debt deal may be reached in the next few days. Continue Reading…

The coffee market has risen clear of Monday’s low for the move, as a weaker Dollar and robust equity markets have been doing the heavy lifting this morning. While the positive vibes out of the Euro zone have provided plenty of support for commodity markets in general, March coffee still remains fairly close to the recent lows. Continue Reading…

The copper market is showing some initial strength today and after the rather surprising slide of 14 cents a pound from last week’s highs, it is possible that some of the buying overnight was technical short covering action. Continue Reading…

March crude oil had a gap higher open Monday evening and has rallied sharply throughout the early morning hours. The outside market tone received a lift earlier this morning on ideas that Greek debt swap talks have progressed and are expected to reach a deal by weeks end. Continue Reading…

Apparently the silver market isn’t overly concerned about rising silver supply at the exchange, as Comex Silver Stocks overnight were pegged at 129.103 million ounces for another gain of 843,930 ounces. Comex Silver Stocks are now at the highest levels since December of 2008 and silver stocks have increased in 15 of the last 20 days. Continue Reading…

March wheat traded 10 1/2 cents higher late in the overnight session. Outside market forces look positive today with a weaker US dollar and strength in energy and equity markets. Continue Reading…

March natural gas prices traded sharply lower during the initial morning hours and broke down to the bottom of recent congestion. Some of the weakness in the market could be the result of a major global investment bank that lowered their 2012 average price for US natural gas to $2.70. Continue Reading…

The gold market seems to have found its footing overnight and in the process the April gold contract managed to reach up to the highest level since December 8th. Apparently the gold trade wasn’t put off balance by news of a fresh record in Chinese gold production in 2011, as that news was probably widely anticipated. Continue Reading…

Treasury prices enter the Tuesday US trade on a slight corrective slide, after rather impressive gains in the prior trading session. From the overnight action it would seem like economic news from the Euro zone was mostly upbeat, with some Euro yields showing a decline overnight and Euro zone employment readings holding steady. Continue Reading…