An extended global bonds selloff pushed yields to record levels and pushed metal prices lower. Front month gold settled down 0.4% in New York at $4,263.00 a troy ounce. Silver fell 1.4% to $63.457 a troy ounce.
The recent surge in the cost of regular diesel is juicing margins for biodiesel producers. Biodiesel made from soybean oil is more expensive to produce than regular diesel, and is only profitable thanks to subsidies and rules requiring refiners to blend it with regular fuel. But higher fuel prices are benefiting the sector.
Construction-materials company Knife River said it plans to engage with activist investor Starboard Value after the hedge fund took a significant stake in the company. Knife River said it had learned on Sept. 22 about Starboard's investment. The investor said in a letter Thursday morning that Knife River should evaluate strategic alternatives, as it needs to improve margins. The Bismark, N.D., company said it welcomes input from shareholders and regularly reviews all opportunities to create shareholder value.