The ongoing US government shutdown (as of this writing) has created strange bedfellows of the various commodity complex sectors and markets early Monday morning. With the US dollar index firming overnight, all three Kings of Commodities were in the green to start the day and week. More News from Barchart Plug Power Stock is Up 287% Since This Insider Buy, and Here’s What PLUG Options Are Telling Us Now Get exclusive insights with the FREE Barchart Brief newsletter. Subscribe now for quick, incisive m ...

Stocks initially extended their recent upward trend in early trading on Thursday but have given back ground over the course of the session. The major averages have pulled back well off their highs of the session.Currently, the major averages are turning in a mixed performance. While the Nasdaq is up 20.19 points or 0.1 percent at 22,775.35, the S&P 500 is down 12.05 points or 0.2 percent at 6,699.15 and the Dow is down 153.45 points or 0.3 percent at 46,287.65.The initial upward move partly reflected optim ...

October NY world sugar #11 (SBV25) on Tuesday closed up +0.21 (+1.34%), and October London ICE white sugar #5 (SWV25) closed up +3.60 (+0.75%). Sugar prices settled higher Tuesday after a nearly +1% rally in WTI crude oil (CLV25) sparked short covering in sugar futures.  Stronger crude prices benefit ethanol prices and may prompt global sugar mills to divert more cane crushing toward ethanol production rather than sugar, thus reducing sugar supplies. More News from Barchart On Monday, NY sugar tumbled t ...

Market Overview - Global financial markets exhibited a cautiously optimistic tone, with major US indices closing higher despite modest gains [1] - Investors are digesting a series of corporate news and macroeconomic signals while focusing on potential future monetary policy paths [1] US Market Performance - S&P 500 Index rose by 0.29% to $6,450 [3] - Dow Jones Index increased by 0.15% to $45,330 [3] - Nasdaq Composite Index climbed by 0.35% to $23,420 [3] - Russell 2000 Index saw a rise of 0.14% to $2,350 [3] Commodity Market - WTI crude oil stabilized above $65, trading at $65.40 [3][4] - Gold prices fluctuated around $3,538, supported by expectations of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve [3][4] - Silver remained near multi-year highs, slightly above $40 per ounce [3] European Market Performance - FTSE 100 Index decreased by 0.08% to $9,160 [3] - DAX Index increased by 0.08% to $23,660 [3] - CAC 40 Index rose by 0.25% to $7,729 [3] Notable Stock Movements - ULTA Beauty stock surged by 7.98% to $532 after Barclays raised its target price from $589 to $617 [3] - Kraft Heinz stock fell by 6.9% to $26.08 following the announcement of a split to revitalize growth after a decade of merger [3] Sector Focus - The focus of the market is on precious metals and defense sectors, with gold shining due to strong rate cut expectations [4] - Geopolitical uncertainties continue to drive strong momentum in defense stocks, making them prominent in the current market [4]