Summary Box: Copper prices perk up on jobless report; metals, energy, grains mixed

Summary Box: Copper prices up on jobless report

BIT OF A BRIGHT SPOT: Copper prices rose nearly 3 percent after the government said jobless claims fell for the first time in a month. It was a bright spot after weak housing sales proved discouraging for the industrial metal.

DOLLAR EFFECT: A weaker dollar also benefited most commodities. Since oil, metals and other commodities are priced in dollars, a weaker dollar makes them more attractive to overseas buyers.

BULGING SUPPLIES: Natural gas hit a record low for the year after the government reported a rise in U.S. supplies.