Summary Box: Palladium prices jump as auto improvement bolsters hope for global recovery

Summary Box: Palladium rises on auto sales gain

PALLADIUM MARCH: Palladium settled higher Thursday after a parade of automakers reported stronger second-quarter sales. Palladium is used in automobile catalytic converters.

RISE IN WHEAT: Wheat prices continued to rise amid concerns about an ongoing drought in Russia, Kazakhstan and parts of the Ukraine. Forecasts call for continuing hot, dry weather in the region.

OIL BUMP: Benchmark oil prices settled higher after ExxonMobil Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co. issued better-than-expected earnings.