New York, NY (BBN)- Crude oil futures dropped below USD 79 a barrel as an industry report showed an increase of 3.85 million barrels in crude stockpiles in the US, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

Gold futures decreased to USD 1,054.30 an ounce this morning in Singapore as demand for precious metals have decreased with the rising USD.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-21October09-1:14 pm (BST)