Gold Falls for Second Day Amid Bets Fed to Raise Interest Rates

Gold futures fell for the second straight day amid speculation that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates as the U.S. economy gains momentum, crimping demand for the metal as an alternate investment. Global holdings in exchange-traded products backed by gold have extended a slump to the lowest in five years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Yesterday, a poll showed Swiss voters will reject an initiative that would require...

Gold Futures Trade Below Two-Week High as Fed to Buying Weighed

Gold futures traded little changed below a two-week high as investors weighed expectations for higher U.S. interest rates against signs of more physical buying. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index traded near a five-year high on the outlook for Japan to extend a stimulus program and after minutes of the Federal Reserves Oct. 28-29 meeting showed the U.S. moving toward higher interest rates. Higher borrowing costs cut the allure of the...

U.S. Stocks Rises as Energy, Economy Outweigh Overseas Concerns

U.S. stocks rose, led by energy companies and small-cap shares, as data showing improvements in the American economy overshadowed concern over weaker growth overseas. The Standard & Poors 500 Index rose 0.2 percent to 2,052.68 at 4 p.m. in New York, erasing an earlier loss. The Russell 2000 Index of smaller companies climbed 1.1 percent. Purchases of previously owned U.S....

S&P 500 Rises on Economy Strength; Europe Stocks Fall on Data

The Standard & Poors 500 Index rose, as data showing strength in the U.S. economy overshadowed reports of slowing manufacturing in Europe and China that sent industrial metals and European equities lower. The S&P 500 added 0.2 percent at 12:27 p.m. in New York, erasing earlier losses of 0.4 percent as retailers and energy shares rallied. The gauge is poised for a record close. The Russell 2000 Index of small companies jumped...

European Stocks Decline With Miners as Manufacturing Slows

European stocks declined as miners fell after manufacturing data missed economists estimates for the region and China. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index dropped 0.3 percent to 338.28 at the close of trading. A gauge of mining stocks fell to its lowest level this year, with iron-ore producers BHP Billiton Ltd. and Rio Tinto Group losing more than 2.5 percent. National equity indexes of Spain and Italy dropped the most among 18 western-European...