Gold Ends Near 5-year Low

Gold futures finished at their lowest level in nearly two weeks Wednesday and almost closed at its lowest level in five years. Under siege from a strong dollar and the prospect of an imminent interest-rate hike. December gold lost $5.10, or 0.5%, to settle at $1,085.60 an ounce, after closing marginally higher on Tuesday at $1,090.70 an ounce. Gold's settlement on July 24 at $1,085.50 an ounce was the lowest settlement for a most active contract since Feb. 10, 2010.