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 The price of commodities from crude oil to corn has risen as the dollar has lost ground to other currencies, adding to the appeal of raw materials as an investment. But higher commodity prices spell inflation in other areas, from gas prices to food prices. However, those arguing for lower interest rates say such a stimulant is needed to prevent a housing slump and credit market troubles from hurting economic growth.
Dow Jones industrial average futures lost 31.00, or 0.20 percent, to 13,876.00. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures fell 4.40, or 0.28 percent, to 1,542.60. Nasdaq 100 index futures fell 8.00, or 0.36 percent, to 2,207.50.
The Dow rose about 64 points on Monday, while broader stock indicators also advanced.
Bonds prices fell on Tuesday. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which moves inversely to its price, rose to 4.40 percent, up from 4.38 percent late Monday.
In commodities, oil prices retreated after climbing near $94 a barrel on Monday amid concerns about tight supplies in the U.S. and rising tensions in the Middle East. Gold prices dipped.
Investors are also awaiting the latest reading on consumer confidence, due from the Conference Board at 10 a.m. EDT.
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 Two major consumer products companies posted strong earnings Tuesday.
Procter & Gamble Co. -- which makes including Tide detergent, Crest toothpaste and other products
-- said fiscal first-quarter profit rose 14 percent on strong sales growth across most regions. Colgate-Palmolive Co. posted a 22 percent jump in third-quarter earnings on robust sales of its home and family care products and improved cost controls.
Overseas, European markets moved lower, while Asian markets ended mixed.
Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.68 percent, Germany's DAX index dropped 0.43, and France's CAC-40 dipped 0.53 percent. Japan's Nikkei stock average fell 0.28 percent, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.16 percent.
[The Associated Press;
By LAUREN VILLAGRAN]
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
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