mines prices markets

GOING FOR GOLD: Investors sent gold prices above $1,500 an ounce on concerns about the U.S. government debt, European financial problems and inflation. Gold later settled at $1,495.10 an ounce.ECONOMIC WORRIES: Investors are worried after Standard & Poor's Rating Service lowered its long-term outlook on U.S. government debt because of the massive budget deficit. Europe is dealing with financial issues and several countries are coping with inflationDRY-WHEAT: Wheat prices rose after a government report showed 36 percent of the winter wheat crop was in good-to-excellent condition. That compared with 69 percent a year ago.