Producers of metals and other raw materials were little changed ahead of next week's election and Federal Reserve interest-rate move.

Gold futures, often favored as a hedge against geopolitical and rate shifts, finished the week with modest losses, but hovered near all-time highs.

Copper futures received a lfit from Chinese data. The Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers index rose to 50.3 in October from 49.3 in September, according to data released by Caixin Media Co. and S&P Global.

BNP Paribas economists said the Fed could provide insight to the surprisingly large drop in jobs growth in October.

"The statement is unlikely to see major changes, but may highlight special factors that weighed on the latest U.S. jobs report," BNP economists wrote in a note to clients. "We see that report as consistent with an ongoing economic soft landing, and as reinforcing our base case for 25-basis-point cuts through March 2025."

Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-01-24 1750ET