PLATINUM'S GAIN: The price of platinum surged as violent protests continued for a sixth day outside a South African mine owned by the Lonmin PLC, the world's third-largest platinum producer. Lonmin says it is unlikely that it will meet its full-year production targets because of lost work time.

HOUSING HOPES?: Most commodity prices rose after the government said July applications for building permits rose 6.8 percent. That's raised expectations that demand for commodities such as oil and copper could improve.

MIXED BAG: Prices rose for gold, copper, oil, wheat and corn. Natural gas and soybeans fell.