Trading Markets

Plunging Dollar Drives Commodity Prices Higher

The U.S. dollar, which hit a record low versus the euro, appeared to be the deciding factor in today’s market action as investors sought to shift assets out of the sinking greenback.

Stocks Rise Despite Fed’s Bearish Outlook and Freddie Mac Loss

A choppy session saw stocks close modestly higher. Early gains were wiped out after the Fed’s minutes were released, which showed the FOMC has a number of ongoing inflation and slow growth concerns. That news, coupled with Freddie Mac’s record loss, seemed enough to lead to another day of losses, but a late recovery saved the day.

Stocks Sink to Start the Week

U.S. stocks opened the week with heavy losses, with the troubled financial sector leading the decline. Overnight losses in Asia and Europe set the tone for today’s weak start.