Energy, Metals Prices Slump

NEW YORK - Metals and energy prices slumped Tuesday as weak readings on the housing market and consumer sentiment rattled investor confidence.

Industrial metals such as copper and nickel traded lower, as did energy prices, while gold prices held about flat. Agriculture futures were mixed at midday.

There were several signs Tuesday that the worst of the housing market decline isn't over. The National Association of Realtors said sales of existing homes fell for a sixth straight month in August to the lowest level in five years. Home improvement retailer Lowe's Cos. lowered its expectations for the year due to sluggish sales, while homebuilder Lennar Corp. posted a …