Gold hasn't lost its luster

The gold market logged its biggest one-day percentage drop in 30 years on Monday, but that may not matter for local gold buyers, according to Charles Halpern, one of the owners of Albert’s Diamond Jewelers in Schererville.

Falling commodities give Dow worst day of the year

NEW YORK | Worries about an economic slowdown in China fueled a steep drop in commodity prices Monday, spooking investors and giving the Dow Jones industrial average its worst day of the year.

FUTURES FILE: Yen yields to political pressure

The Japanese Yen plummeted in value this week as news broke that the Japanese Parliament was going to be dissolved. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda called for new elections next month as a result of parliamentary deadlock. It is widely expected he will lose in the upcoming election, giving Jap…

Sandy causes gasoline spike

As Hurricane Sandy approached the Eastern Seaboard this week, there was a rash of panic buying in the gasoline market, as consumers and traders expected supplies would be interrupted. Many of their fears were warranted, as pipelines, ports and refineries were disabled by the storm, with some…

Gas explodes higher

Gasoline prices rose to a five-month high this week, gaining more than 25 cents per gallon. Nationwide, gasoline stockpiles are relatively low, nearly 15 percent smaller than at this time last year. Ongoing turmoil in the Middle East has continued to keep prices elevated, but this week’s big…

Business - Grain prices

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Corm market on fire

Record-breaking temperatures continued to blaze across the Midwest, with little rain falling on the drought-stricken Corn Belt. Corn and soybeans continue to be damaged by hot, dry weather, causing industry experts to further downgrade the quality of this year’s crops. As a result of the low…

Business - Grain prices

Gold loses its glitter

Gold, known as the premier hedge against inflation, briefly dipped into negative territory on the year, as prospects for inflation across the world continue to appear to wane. The $787 billion economic stimulus package that was approved by Congress in 2009, now mostly spent, failed to cause …

Industry expert shares tips on selling gold

It may be tempting to raid the jewelry box for gold to generate a little extra cash, but one expert thinks that's the worst thing to do.

Ever wonder what happens at the little gold-buying stores?

With the throngs of new gold-buying businesses popping up in the region, people may be wondering if it is worth it to dig through their jewelry boxes for a little quick cash. Times staff writer Lauri Harvey Keagle tried it herself, and the benefit of comparison shopping was quickly evident.

What happens at all the gold-buying stores?

With the throngs of new gold-buying businesses popping up in the region, people may be wondering if it is worth it to dig through their jewelry boxes for a little quick cash. A Times staff writer tried it herself, and the benefit of comparison shopping was quickly evident.

Turbulent 2011 sets records

This past year was one of the most turbulent trading periods since 1980, with many markets setting new record highs. Corn, cattle, hogs, gold, silver, copper and cotton all made record high prices this year, driven by myriad crises.

FUTURES FILE: Central banks to the 'rescue?'

Markets worldwide skyrocketed this week on hopes Europe's debt crisis could be alleviated by an infusion of loans from foreign central banks.

Europeans band together

Optimism surrounding the Europeans' newest solution to the debt debacle sparked a rally across markets worldwide. Led by Germany and France, European nations stated intentions to ensure their banks will remain strong, while calling on international organizations to help aid troubled nations …

Global demand, ethanol fuel food-price hikes

The continued rise in the cost of corn and other commodities on the global market will be serving up higher food prices at the local table. That doesn't mean, however, that higher grain prices will translate into a banner year for region farmers.

Global demand, ethanol fuel food-price hikes

The continued rise in the cost of corn and other commodities on the global market will be serving up higher food prices at the local table.

OJ drops in time for flu season

Just in time for cold and flu season, orange juice prices are breaking lower. Consumption of orange juice is seasonal, peaking in the winter, when supplies are generally at their lowest.

Business - Grain prices

FUTURES FILE: Wheat works higher this week

Wheat prices pushed to three-month highs Thursday as traders grew increasingly concerned that this year's global wheat harvest would fall short of expectations.