HEAT GAINS: A blistering heat wave pushed corn prices higher as crops wilted in the Midwest. The price has jumped about 22 percent since the first of the month on speculation that the dry spell could lead to a smaller harvest.

WAITING ON EUROPE: Investors remain focused on Europe’s problems. They are awaiting a summit in Brussels later this week where European Union leaders will tackle the debt crisis again. The outcome could have an impact on future demand for commodities.