Potential bad news about the economy was good news for the price of gold and other metals.
Many investors plow their money into gold when they're worried about the economy. Prices for gold and silver both rose Monday as the day brought several unsettling developments. In Italy, which was counting election results, the possibility of political stalemate loomed.
In the U.S., investors were waiting to hear Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke testify to Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Prices for copper, palladium and platinum were also up, though investors said they weren't sure how long that trend would last.
Oil was little changed as investors waited for talks to begin over Iran's nuclear program.
Agricultural commodities were mixed. Wheat and soybeans fell. Corn rose.
