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- Crude oil gained ground and gold futures fell on Friday after the government reported the economy lost 54,000 jobs in August, less than expected by Wall Street economists. The unemployment rate ticked higher to 9.6% in August from 9.5% in the previous month, as expected. Full story

- Gold prices were slipping Friday after an uplifting U.S. unemployment report. Full story

- Wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade added to gains Friday, a day after Russia extended its ban on wheat exports until late 2011. December wheat futures were up 8.75 cents a bushel at $7.2250 in recent trade. Full story

- * US non-farm payrolls to offer clues on economic growth * Falling copper stocks boost prices, supply tightness seen * COMING UP: U.S. employment report for August at 1230 GMT Full story

- Wheat futures continue to push higher, a day after Russia roiled grain markets by extending a ban on wheat exports into late 2011. Full story

- Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd. is considering making a bid for Anadarko Petroleum Corp. , according to a report Friday. The mining giant has the American oil-and-gas independent on its radar as a second target, an unnamed senior energy-industry figure told The Australian newspaper. Full story

- Blaze in Gulf Shakes Oil Industry The fire that engulfed an oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico heightened pressure on the energy industry, which is battling greater regulation and a deep-water drilling ban. Full story

- Australian shares climbed Friday morning as strength in oil and gold prices in New York provided a lift to resource stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 added 0.5% to 4,555.70. Among resource shares, shares of OZ Minerals Ltd added 2.7%, Newcrest Mining Ltd. rose 1.1% and Woodside Petroleum Ltd. climbed 1%. Full story

- Wheat prices advanced Thursday after Russia extended its export ban on the crop until next year s harvest, nurturing hopes of more robust U.S. sales of the grain to other countries. Full story

- Spot gold prices are firmer on speculative buying Thursday. Full story