Palladium, platinum surge on strong Chinese import data, recovery hopes

Palladium, platinum surge on data, recovery hopes

BIG METAL MOVES: Palladium and platinum reached their highest levels in about two years after an analyst said Chinese imports are strong. Higher demand in the U.S. automotive industry also fed the buying.

COATTAILS: Gold rose almost $10 to $1,148.80, following the lead of the other precious metals.

OIL DROPS: Crude fell below $84 a barrel after the government said energy supplies grew more than expected last week.