JUMPING BEANS: Soybean prices hit an all-time high as crops continued to wilt under a blanket of hot, dry weather. Wheat and corn also rose. Expectations for smaller harvests are driving up prices.

DIMMING HOPES: Gold fell a third consecutive day after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke dashed hopes that the central bank would take quick action to promote economic growth. The price has fallen about 5.5 percent since May 1.