| Summary: | Commodity prices are expected to remain weak for the
remainder of 2014 and, perhaps through much of 2015.
Crude oil has seen one of the sharpest declines, down
more than 20 percent to $83/barrel (bbl) on October 15
from this year’s high of $108/bbl in mid-June. Agricultural
prices have weakened as well, down 6 percent since
June. Metal prices remained relatively stable, from the
sharp declines seen in 2011. A slowdown in the Euro
area and emerging economies, a strong US dollar, increased
oil supplies, and good crop prospects for most
agricultural commodities have contributed to the recent
gyrations in markets.
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