The energy services firm "Baker Hughes" announced today that the US crude oil drilling rigs count declined 1 rig to 180 during this week.

The natural gas rigs also fell by 1 to 71 rigs, with the total of oil and gas rigs declining by 2 to 251 rigs.

Soybean futures rose on Friday, and posted the fifth straight weekly gain, lifted by increasing Chinese demand

While the US Department of Agriculture will release later its report on output levels, harvest season, exports and sales.

Soybean futures contracts gained 1.2% this week, thanks to strong purchases from China.

Beijing is seeking compliance with the phase-one of the trade agreement that was signed by the two countries on January 15.

The agreement stipulate that China buy around $36.5 billion worth of US farm goods within the first year of the trade pact.

The dollar index held against a basket of currencies at 93.3 points as of 20:12 GMT, after it hit a high of 93.3 and a low of 93.1.

Soybean November futures rose 2% to close at $9.96 a bushel, after hitting a day high of $9.98 and a low of $9.75.

The US dollar held against most major currencies on Friday, amid uncertainty the ongoing debate in the US Congress on the second relief package bill to address the coronavirus impact on the economy.

Reports emerged yesterday that the US Senate failed to agree on the second relief package bill to address the coronavirus impact on the economy.

Analysts see that Senate failure to pass this package indicates that the Democratic and Republican parties will not be able to compromise on an agreement.

Data showed today that the US consumer price index rose 0.4% in August, beating analysts' estimates of 0.3%.

The dollar index held against a basket of currencies at 93.3 points as of 19:20 GMT, after it hit a high of 93.3 and a low of 93.1.

Silver prices closed lower on Friday, as investors rushed to risk assets such as stocks and eschewed precious metals.

The dollar index held against a basket of currencies at 93.3 points as of 20:12 GMT, after it hit a high of 93.3 and a low of 93.1.

Data showed today that the US consumer price index rose 0.4% in August, beating analysts' estimates of 0.3%.

The US Senate failed to agree on the second coronavirus relief package, which indicates that the Democratic and Republican parties will not be able to compromise on an agreement..

The US is suffering from the coronavirus very badly, as infections exceeded 6.6 million cases, with a death toll of nearly 197,000 victims.

Silver December futures fell 1.6% or 43 cents, to close at $26.857 an ounce, but scored 0.5% gain this week, after hitting a day high of $27.24 and a low of $26.725.