TROUBLED BEANS: Soybean prices hit an all-time high on expectations that Tropical Storm Isaac's driving rains and high winds will cause more damage to crops already battered by the drought. Global supplies are low and demand remains strong.

WAITING FOR BEN: Gold and oil fell ahead of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech Friday to an annual economic conference. Hope was fading among traders that Bernanke will offer anything substantial about possible action the Fed may take to help the economy grow.

MIXED BAG: Prices rose for natural gas and heating oil. Copper, silver, wheat and corn fell.