In May, the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index of 19 energy, metal and agricultural prices gained 14 per cent, the most since July, 1974. Yesterday, gold futures for August settlement rose $17.10 to $980.30 (U.S.) as speculative funds bought the metal while the U.S. dollar declined.


CLOSING PRICES (SPOT)

Gold US$/troy ounce 978.90 19.70

Silver US$/troy ounce 15.67 0.54

Copper US$/lb 2.18 0.04

Lead US$/lb 0.71 0.04

Zinc US$/lb 0.70 0.04

Aluminum US$/lb 0.64 0.01

Nickel US$/lb 6.29 0.20

Oil West Texas US$/bbl 66.31 1.23

Nat Gas Henry Hub US$ mmbtu 3.92 0.38

Nat.Gas AECO C C$/gigajoule 2.96 0.00

.