Market Update

OIL: Crude lost 39 cents a barrel to close at $20.96 a barrel.

DOW INDUSTRIALS: The 30-industrial average slipped back 4.95 to 2,654.45.

CREDIT MARKETS: Bond prices strengthened slightly. Trading was subdued by the lack of dramatic war developments or economic news.

METALS: Gold rose $1 an ounce to $376.70 in New York.

CURRENCY: The dollar closed at 131.60 yen from late Friday’s 132.55.