Traders await key speech by Fed chairman Ben Bernanke
Strong economic data dampens U.S. stimulus hopes
Investors less confident that Bernanke will introduce new stimulus measures Friday
Gold, base metals sectors shed 1%
Beige Book should affirm that expansion is proceeding at a “modest to moderate” pace: economist
Financial sector gets boost as banks report solid earnings
Oil, gold prices rise
Base metals stocks decline almost 1% as September copper sheds early advance
Oil prices rise on concerns tropical storm Isaac could affect Gulf of Mexico refineries
Lower-than-expected inflation data sends loonie lower