Gold, Silver lead Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index gains

Gold, Silver and other precious metals led gains in Dow Jones-UBS commodity indexes during August, while agriculture and energy markets also climbed.

The Dow Jones-UBS Precious Metals Subindex rose 6.2% last month, compared with the end of July, helped by a 5.5% increase in Gold futures and a 17% increase in Silver, according to recent reports. Agriculture and Energy subindexes rose 0.5% and 1.4%, respectively, while Livestock declined 1.8%. The broader Dow Jones-UBS commodities index rose 1.3%.

Among specific component futures markets, gasoline rose 11% during August, Soybean Oil rose 11%, heating oil rose 9.5%, Brent Crude Oil rose 9.3%, Soybeans rose 8.5%, Cotton rose 7.3% and West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil rose 6.8%.

Among declining commodities, Nat Gas fell 9%, lean Hogs dropped 6.9% and Coffee fell 6.8%.

Over the next 2 months, roll periods take place September 10-17 and October 5-12.

During September, only Brent Crude, Sugar, lean Hogs and live Cattle are rolling contracts within the Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index. Both livestock contracts will roll from October to December.

Paul A. Ebeling, Jnr.

Paul A. Ebeling, Jnr. writes and publishes The Red Roadmaster's Technical Report on the US Major Market Indices, a weekly, highly-regarded financial market letter, read by opinion makers, business leaders and organizations around the world.

Paul A. Ebeling, Jnr has studied the global financial and stock markets since 1984, following a successful business career that included investment banking, and market and business analysis. He is a specialist in equities/commodities, and an accomplished chart reader who advises technicians with regard to Major Indices Resistance/Support Levels.