Output sin Running parallel with the huge increase in industrial production in Germany in 1937, there has been a record rise in her coal output which puts her at the top of the list of European countries. The annual output amounted to 184510000 tons, which is an increase of 26,230,000 tons, or 16.57 per cent on the previous year. Coal exports also went up to 51,500,000 tons, or by 31.52 per cent. In quantity, German coal exports accounted for about 36 per cent of the total European exports of coal. Coal consumption in Germany was 138,630,000 tons, or 11.3 per cent more than in 1936.—Trans-Ocean. the first three days of the week.
Only minor changes were recorde in commodity prices, as measured by the Dow-Jones Index. Very quiet but steady conditions prevailed in North American wheat markets, with the continued drought in the Southern Hemisphere and the western part of the United States moder-2 ately influencing prices.
The bearish supply situation has apparently been discounted. No definite trend was evident in cotton because of the conflicting influence of the loan and the firm spot situation against the uncertainty in regard to the future government policy. Rubber declined. A slight increase in offerings xas apparent on advances; however, good support came in on reactions. Quiet but steadier conditions ruled in the sugar market, where price changes were small Some disappointment was noticed upon the publication of the latest steel mill operation figures, which registered a decline, but the decision subsequently announced to restore the recent $6 cut in automobile sheet steel and indications of price stabilization were generally considered to be encouraging. Experts believe that consumer demand would improve now that price uncertainties were lessening. Declining unemployment figures, especially in the automobile industry, where the labour situation is better, and indications that car-loadings would reach a new high this week, combined to furnish additional evidence of general business improvement. Electricity pro duction for -the week ended October 15 was the second best recorded in 1938.
The Market in Figures:
Thursday Oci. 13 Oct. 20 D.-J. Average for 30" Indust. 152.46 15152 D.-J. Average for 30 Rails 3150
D.-J. Average for 15 Utiit.
D.-J. Average for 40" Bonds 89.94 D.-J. N Commodity Index 4830
Commodity Prices:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.