Commodities

Oil prices rose 3.5 percent on Monday, hitting the highest since early July 2015.

U.S. stocks climbed to record highs on Monday amid optimism about merger activity and as investors bet that a Republican plan to cut corporate taxes would bolster earnings.

U.S. stocks climbed to record highs on Monday amid optimism about merger activity and as investors bet that a Republican plan to cut corporate taxes would bolster earnings.

Grain futures were higher Monday in early trading on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Grain futures were higher Monday in early trading on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Asian markets slipped on Monday as weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs figures dented sentiment.

Asian markets slipped on Monday as weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs figures dented sentiment.

The average price of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline jumped 7 cents nationally over the past two weeks to $2.58.

The average price of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline jumped 7 cents nationally over the past two weeks to $2.58.

Stocks held steady on Friday after a report showed that the U.S. job market strengthened last month, but not by quite as much as expected.

Wheat for Dec. was up 8 cents at 4.26 a bushel; Dec. corn rose 2.25 cents at 3.5050 bushel; Dec. oats was off 7 cents at $2.6450 bushel; while Nov. soybeans gained 8 cents at $9.89 a bushel.

Wheat for Dec. was up 8 cents at 4.26 a bushel; Dec. corn rose 2.25 cents at 3.5050 bushel; Dec. oats was off 7 cents at $2.6450 bushel; while Nov. soybeans gained 8 cents at $9.89 a bushel.

Grain futures were lower Friday in early trading on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Asian stocks were mixed Friday in holiday-thinned trading as investors digested uninspiring Chinese economic data, Donald Trump's pick for next Fed chief and a U.S. tax cut plan.

Asian stocks were mixed Friday in holiday-thinned trading as investors digested uninspiring Chinese economic data, Donald Trump's pick for next Fed chief and a U.S. tax cut plan.

U.S. stocks are slipping Thursday morning as Wall Street waits for news about House Republicans' tax proposals and President Donald Trump's choice for Federal Reserve chair.

___ Trump nominates Jerome Powell to be next Fed chairman WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump tapped Jerome Powell on Thursday to replace Janet Yellen as Fed chair when her term ends in February, choosing a moderate member of the Fed's board who has backed Yellen's cautious approach to interest rate hikes.

The Dow industrials climbed on Thursday while losses in Facebook kept the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq in check as investors assessed the long-awaited tax cut plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans.

The Dow industrials climbed on Thursday while losses in Facebook kept the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq in check as investors assessed the long-awaited tax cut plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans.

Oil prices edged up on Thursday, steadying near two-year highs as the outlook remained upbeat as OPEC-led supply cuts have tightened the market and drained inventories.