By now you have likely heard the term “The Devil’s Metal.” When you see big price whips in silver, it generally means that there is something happening in commodity markets. The situation which makes this…
Food processor ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE: CAG) reported fourth quarter results this morning, beating the consensus EPS estimate by one penny at $0.51 and surpassing a revenue estimate of $3.38 billion by posting sales…
With commodities on the retreat and with preliminary inflation running very low, you can imagine that the gold and silver markets are trading softer again. Gold is down 1.3% at $1581.50 per ounce, but…
It has been widely assumed for many years that the problem of worldwide hunger could be solved by financial and food donations from rich nations, improved training of farmers in nations with food shortages, and…
The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (AMEX: GLD) is off about -0.2% at $156.89 in a 52-week range of $143.97-$185.85. The iShares Gold Trust (AMEX: IAU) is off about -0.1% at $15.76 in a 52-week…
In March the US, the European Union, and Japan filed complaints with the World Trade Organization (WTO) accusing China of violating free trade rules by limiting exports of rare earth minerals which in turn…
Warmer and drier weather in the US Midwest is raising concerns about the corn and soybean crops. If such weather continues, it could reduce the harvest and drive crop prices up. Corn prices fell…
Global demand for steel remains weak even as prices for iron ore rise slightly indicating that steelmakers could be in for another tough quarter. As if on cue, AK Steel Holding Corp. (NYSE: AKS)…
Canadian gold miner Yamana Gold Inc. (NYSE: AUY) announced this morning that it is acquiring Canadian junior miner Extorre Gold Mines Ltd. (AMEX: XG) for a total of about $395 million. Yamana will pay…
Shares of Patriot Coal Corp. (NYSE: PCX) are dropping like a rock again today on no specific news. Other coal miners are faring somewhat better, with Arch Coal Inc. (NYSE: ACI) up slightly, James…
Lawn and garden products maker The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (NYSE: SMG) lowered its fiscal year guidance after markets closed last night, and the stock is taking a hit on very heavy trading today. The…
As if you had not guessed that China’s weekend releases of economic data were going to be weak after that surprise rate cut late in the week, the tally is out and it is…
Appalachian coal miner Alpha Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: ANR) announced this morning that it will close four mines and halt work at two coal preparation plants in Kentucky. The company also said that it…
Canadian-based Agrium Inc. (NYSE: AGU) announced this morning that it would raise its semi-annual dividend to $0.50, more than double the previous $0.225 payment. The company’s CEO said: The further increase in our dividend…
Food prices, one of the greatest threats to the overall health of the global economy have fallen recently, and dropped very sharply in May according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization. The FAO…