MOPEY METALS: Prices for palladium, platinum, silver and other metals fell even though there were signs that the economy is improving. Pending home sales rose, and so did a measure of manufacturing.

THE WITCHING HOUR: That's because investors are unnerved about the "fiscal cliff." Higher taxes and lower government spending will kick in if Republicans and Democrats can't reach a budget compromise by midnight Monday.

LOSING ENERGY: Prices for energy commodities also fell. Benchmark crude, Brent crude, gasoline and heating oil all finished lower.