Commodities

Thanks to dwindling herds and strong export demand, beef prices in the U.S. have soared to levels not seen since 1987.

Over 30,000 cows killed in Texas and New Mexico after winter storm.

Increasing global demand and stagnant production could leave some consumers paying more for milk next month -- but some experts say the increase might not be worth crying over.

As the death toll reaches 1,127 in the Bangladesh building collapse, officials are beginning to take efforts such as adopting unions and raising wages to protect the country’s workers.

Glittering prices are turning heads, but investing in diamonds can be a minefield.

The president's push to implement new carbon dioxide emissions standards could send a shockwave through the energy industry, particularly for a coal industry already under pressure from cheap natural gas.

Many Americans have just absorbed a financial beating — at least as measured by their stock holdings.

___ US companies increasingly fish for growth overseas SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Major U.S. companies are starting to reap their most rapid growth in fertile lands of opportunity far from home.

Driven by Asian growth, global consumption of gas, heating oil and other petroleum products reached a record high last year.

One of the top criticisms investors often make about commodities markets is price volatility, and now the CFTC, is weighing in with a new rule designed to prevent wild swings.

IntercontinentalExchange Group Inc. (ICE) on Wednesday reported second-quarter profit of $283 million.

___ US probing possible airline collusion that kept fares high WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government is investigating possible collusion among major airlines to limit available seats, which keeps airfares high, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press.

IntercontinentalExchange Group Inc. (ICE) on Tuesday reported first-quarter earnings of $315 million.

Beyond the turmoil shaking financial markets, the U.S. economy remains sturdier than many seem to fear.

Oil fell below $104 per barrel on Monday as expectations of increased supply offset strong U.S. job growth.

The price of crude oil slipped for a seventh straight day Friday as expectations of increased supply offset strong U.S. employment growth.

The price of oil extended losses to near $104 a barrel Thursday as the risk of supply disruptions in Iraq continued to recede.

The price of oil rose Tuesday on expectations for stronger demand following an improvement in manufacturing activity in China, the world's biggest oil importer.

___ Georgia lawsuit still causing trouble for GM DETROIT (AP) — For more than a year, a lawsuit filed by Brooke Melton's family has caused major migraines for General Motors.

The price of oil held steady on Friday as poor U.S. economic data raised the prospect of weak growth in energy demand while fears eased that fighting in Iraq would disrupt exports.