IHS Markit's materials price index rises 1.6% as commodities lead the way

The materials price index (MPI) from Global Insight by IHS Markit gained 1.6% last week, its strongest increase since late August, breaking a two-week streak of losses, the research firm revealed on Friday. According to IHS Markit economist Cole Hassay, the expansion was broad-based, with seven of ten sub-indices increasing. Oil and chemical prices posted strong gains, increasing by 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively, while DRAM prices rose 4.2%.