METALS FOR AUTOS: Palladium and platinum surged in light trading Monday as fresh economic reports gave traders reason to be more optimistic about the recovery. The two metals led a broad rally across most commodities.
VOLUME'S ROLE: Many overseas markets were closed Monday. That contributed to light volume, which can exaggerate price movements in some markets like palladium, HSBC analyst James Steel said.
RISING ENERGY: Energy prices also benefited from the improving economic news. Oil, natural gas, heating oil and gasoline all settled higher.
