The major U.S. indexes [COMP  Loading...      (%)   ] were a mixed bag this week, all close to flat, commodities halt their record setting pace, and the US dollar manages to hold its ground against most major currencies.



The S&P 500 sectors were mixed for the week, Materials, Energy, Telecom, Consumer Staples and Industrials ending the week positive.  For the year and the quarter (currently the same number), all sectors are negative with Information Technology pulling in the worst numbers with a decline of -15.94%.



Commodities are off their record pace, but oil continues to be volatile crossing above the $108 per barrel level on sabotage of an Iraqi export pipeline before settling back to $105 per barrel levels Friday.

Wheat and soy end the week down sharply on Friday with month-end profit taking and expectations of Monday's USDA plantings report. Corn ended up as wet and cool weather threaten the spring seedlings.
**Rough Rice continues to be the stand out up 9.09% this week and almost 42% this year and first quarter to date.
     Note: The CME Group increased margins and trade limits on corn and soy went into effect


Note:  Gold and Oil reflect the closing price of the pit session.

The Dollar held firm this week against the euro, yen and pound after personal income and spending numbers and inflation data came in as expected.

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