Producers of metals and other raw materials ticked down after mixed inflation developments.
The producer price index fell 0.1% in December from a month earlier.
Oil prices rose because of spreading conflict in the Middle East, however, developments that could foreshadow inflation in the future.
Gold futures rallied, prompting prices to end slightly higher for the week, as U.S. and U.K. airstrikes in Yemen -- in response to Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea -- raised the precious metal's appeal as a safe-haven investment.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
01-12-24 1806ET
