Summary Box: Wheat prices surge on prospect of improving demand; metals, energy mixed

Summary Box: Wheat prices surge on demand hopes

IMPROVING GRAINS: Wheat prices surged Tuesday after Iraq purchased about 18.3 million bushels globally, including some from the United States. That boosted hopes of some traders that demand for the grain may be improving.

WHEAT’S 411: Wheat prices have been battered for the past three months on reports of abundant supplies and moderate weather. Also, a government report released Monday indicated most of the winter wheat crop is in good to excellent shape.

MIXED ENERGY: Oil, heating oil and gasoline rose while natural gas fell.