Commodities fell, heading for the first monthly decline since May, as discord over Europe’s debt crisis and fading business optimism in China pointed to a deeper slowdown that may reduce demand for energy, metals and grains. (more…)

The worst US drought in 50 years has sent commodity prices in grain and livestock to record highs, and in spite of a drop-back in prices, traders say volatility is to be expected for as much as another year. As of September 4, the soya bean price was up 32% and that for corn up 45% since the end of May. (more…)

The United States is the leading producer of corn and soybeans – two commodities that developing countries rely on. However, over the past two months, prices have risen sharply as the U.S. experiences its worst drought since the 1950s. A food policy expert says effectively responding to the drought can help prevent another global food crisis (more…)

China’s economy may be on track to grow at its slowest pace in a decade, but there’s a silver lining to this: lower commodity prices may actually benefit the U.S. and Europe, just when they most need it. (more…)

The economy of Latin America and the Caribbean should grow 3.6 percent this year, down from recent rates above 5 percent as slower expansion in China, a soft recovery in the United States and debt woes in Europe weigh on the global economy. (more…)