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Mismatch in supply and demand sends coffee prices higher

Jul 12, 2021
Coffee commodity prices are hitting their highest levels in years. Will consumers keep paying more?
Global coffee consumption continues to rise.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Why is the price of silver soaring?

Individual investors are apparently fueling the increase. It's a similar strategy to what we've seen with GameStop stock.
Retail investors are now targeting big banks who have bet against the price of silver.
Bet_Noire via Getty Images

As Americans shift breakfast to home, wholesale egg and orange juice prices soar

Mar 30, 2020
Staying home is making Americans cook breakfast at home. Demand for eggs and other breakfast staples is pushing prices up for retailers.
Egg prices are up as consumer habits change during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Why we see gold prices jump during times of uncertainty

Feb 24, 2020
Gold hit its highest mark in more than seven years on Monday due to spikes in coronavirus cases outside of China.
Once upon a time, gold was the currency of the United States.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Investors have been piling into gold this year

Aug 21, 2019
Gold prices are up sharply since the start of the year. Part of that is the market turmoil, pushing investors toward safe havens. But it’s also gotten a lot easier — and cheaper — to invest in gold.
Gold bullion bars and coins.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Farmers struggle with low commodity prices

Jul 25, 2017
Farmers, in particular those producing grain, are struggling, thanks mostly to low commodity prices amid a global grain glut.
Tom Giessel is a Kansas wheat farmer who harvested 1,800 acres of wheat in late June. He stands here in his field near Larned, Kansas. 
Peggy Lowe for Marketplace

Do you consider pizza a commodity?

Dec 8, 2016
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said pizza, unlike coffee, is a commodity. You guys weighed in.
MIKI Yoshihito/Flickr

For public good, not for profit.

Why your Thanksgiving meal will be a bargain

Nov 24, 2016
Food prices have been down all year. Yes, even turkey prices.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Eggs are so cheap, the U.S. is stepping in to buy some

Sep 2, 2016
A 1935 program authorizes the U.S.D.A's purchase of excess commodities, like eggs.
A notice that the price of eggs will be rising soon is seen at a Giant grocery store in Clifton, Virginia. In 2015, widespread outbreaks of Avian Flu costed poultry producers almost 40 million birds, causing the price of eggs to rise sharply.

 

 

 
PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Gold: The not-so-safe safe haven

Jul 6, 2016
It's volatile, doesn't offer a yield or dividend and is highly taxed.
Investors have rushed to buy gold in the wake of Brexit.
JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images