UNREST IN SOUTH AFRICA: The price of platinum jumped nearly 3 percent. Protests at mines in South Africa, which produce most of the world's platinum, intensified.

CORN BUCKS THE SUPPLY LAW: The government trimmed its prediction for this year's corn crop, but corn prices fell anyway. Analysts think it's because buyers have already cut demand so much.

INDECISIVE ENERGY: Benchmark crude fell in New York, while Brent crude rose in London.