Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-11
Commodity Price
Trends of Week
BY HI. N. McGH4L,
Editor Mcom Commodity servic,


AUBURNDALE, Mass, April IL (P.-
Commodity prices during the past week
again declined. The average of all
products, following moderate upturn
in late March and early April, Is now
about equal to the low point established
in the middle of March. Out of II
individual groups, declined, ad-
vanced and remained unchanged.
The rate of industrial activity shows
no pronounced trend either upward or
downward. The first quarter of 1881
has accomplished two thingS-f1rSt, eS-
tablished low point in business activ-
ity. and, second. carried the business
volume moderately upward from the ex-
IRENE low ebb. Commodity prices have
also ductuated within a narrow range,
and the general trend appears to be
f1attening out into q more horizontal
line It is generally agreed that a gen.
eral price readjuStment of 20 per cent
from the high in 1929 goes far toward
discounting unfavorable economic con-
ditions, not only in the United States,
but throughout the world. From now
on price changes on both the up and
down side will be more notable In Spe-
ci1c products and specific groups rather
than for the entire list of commodities
II is an interesting point TO ncte that
have been repeated in every period fol-
lowing a severe depression. In other
words, after the corner is turned. the
first six months of recovery are not re-
garded with confidence and enthusiasm.
The reason is that the starting point is
so low, the full effect of the moderate
recovery is not really felt for matter
Of months.
All Commodities,
Noting specific changes, the price
average Of all commodities was nearly
one point lower The individual groups
which averaged lower during the past
week were industrial products, agricul-
tural products, live stock, chemicals,
fuels, hides and leather, textiles, both
fine and coarse, and vegetable oils.
Industrial Products.
A wider degree of fuctuation than
has been noted in recent weeks was
shown in industrial products. This was
largely due to continued weakness in
leading chemicals, a severe break in the
average price of coal, and distinct
downward trend in textiles, and hides.
Agricultural Products.
Agricultural products declined to a
new low. The grains have been cratic,
and there is little confidence, due 10
the critical surplus of wheat and the
Government report that, based on pres
ent condition Of the Winter wheat
crop, which is above normal, the esti-
mated output is 100000 bushels
greater than last year and 10000, 600
bushels over the average OF the past
five years.
Fuels.
marked price read justment down
ward was registered by fuels. The spot
price Of bituminous coal, fob. mines,
dropped to 81 "a, which is under the low
point established in 1890. Anthracite
prices were revised sharply downward
which reflects kesn competition.
Textiles.
Textiles lost ground during the week,
cotton dropping to- low Of 1920 per
cent, while silk has shown moderate
down trend. Rayun and wool remain
stable.
The three groups which remain I'M
changed during the past week were fer
rous metals. paper and pulp, and build
ing materials. The only two groups
which advanced were non-ferrous metals
and paint materials. both upturns being
of fractional nature.