...prop up their sliding economies.The new signs of economic sluggishness around the world sent commodities prices lower. Crude oil dropped $2.77, or 3 percent, to $84.45 a barrel. The U.S. is the world's biggest oil consumer, and...

...1993 until last July, Astra shared half of its U.S. sales with drug giant Merck & Co. Commodities hit 24-year low Crude oil futures prices tumbled as precious metals and coffee futures also fell sharply in a general rout on U.S. commodities...

...prices fell nearly a cent per gallon in the past two weeks, continuing a months-long decline caused in part by lower crude oil prices, an industry analyst said. The average price nationwide, including all grades and taxes, was about $1...

...percent from 4.18 percent late Thursday. The dollar rose against most major currencies, while gold prices moved lower. Crude oil futures rose as investors worried about potential damage from Hurricane Emily to oil facilities in the Gulf of Mexico...

...their appeared to be an "improved balance" between gasoline supply and demand and an expectation in the markets of lower crude oil prices. The price of crude, which peaked at around $42 a barrel in late May, is expected to ease to around $35...

...industry analyst Trilby Lundberg. For one thing, retailers pretty much have passed on to customers the savings from lower crude oil prices earlier in the year, she said. Some wholesale markets also are showing price increases. At self-service...