Commodities

Asian shares were higher Wednesday on optimism about global economic growth following gains on Wall Street.

Asian shares were higher Wednesday on optimism about global economic growth following gains on Wall Street.

U.S. stock indexes held steady in early trading on Tuesday following strong earnings reports from the makers of Kellogg's cereals, Oreo cookies and others.

U.S. stock indexes held steady in early trading on Tuesday following strong earnings reports from the makers of Kellogg's cereals, Oreo cookies and others.

___ Trump predicts passage of tax plan by Christmas WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is predicting that he will sign his tax overhaul by Christmas in the "biggest tax event in the history of our country."

Analysts say bullish sentiment that has driven Brent crude to its highest in more than two years could encourage U.S. producers to export more oil.

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

Stock markets around the world took a pause on Monday from their record-setting run ahead of a busy week for markets.

___ Administration official: Powell top candidate for Fed chair WASHINGTON (AP) — Jerome "Jay" Powell, a member of the Federal Reserve's board, is President Donald Trump's leading candidate to replace Janet Yellen as the head of the nation's central bank, with an announcement planned for Thursday, according to senior administration officials.

___ Administration official: Powell top candidate for Fed chair WASHINGTON (AP) — Jerome "Jay" Powell, a member of the Federal Reserve's board, is President Donald Trump's leading candidate to replace Janet Yellen as the head of the nation's central bank, with an announcement planned for Thursday, according to senior administration officials.

Wall Street pulled back from record-high territory on Monday, weighed down by a drop in Merck shares, as investors assessed President Donald Trump’s plan for corporate tax cuts.

Wall Street pulled back from record-high territory on Monday, weighed down by a drop in Merck shares, as investors assessed President Donald Trump’s plan for corporate tax cuts.

Brent oil slipped but held above $60 a barrel on Monday, near its highest since mid-2015, on expectations OPEC-led production cuts would be extended beyond March although rising Iraqi exports put a lid on prices.

Brent oil slipped but held above $60 a barrel on Monday, near its highest since mid-2015, on expectations OPEC-led production cuts would be extended beyond March although rising Iraqi exports put a lid on prices.

Wheat for Dec. was off 2.50 cents at 4.2475 a bushel; Dec. corn was unchanged at 3.4875 bushel; Dec. oats was up 2 cents at $2.6325 bushel; while Nov. soybeans lost 2.50 cents at $9.7275 a bushel.

Wheat for Dec. was off 2.50 cents at 4.2475 a bushel; Dec. corn was unchanged at 3.4875 bushel; Dec. oats was up 2 cents at $2.6325 bushel; while Nov. soybeans lost 2.50 cents at $9.7275 a bushel.

Technology companies are jumping Friday morning as investors applaud third-quarter reports from big names including Microsoft, Intel, and Alphabet, Google's parent company.

___ Tech giants lead rally as stocks near records; Amazon surges NEW YORK (AP) — US stocks set more records as major technology companies like Microsoft and Google parent company Alphabet lead the charge after they reported strong quarterly results.

Oil prices rose more 1 percent on Friday on support among the world's top producers for extending a deal to cut output and as the dollar retreated from three-month peaks.

Strong earnings from tech giants and Apple's upbeat statement on its iPhone X demand lifted the Nasdaq Composite index 2 percent and led the gains on Wall Street.