DuPont posted higher-than-expected earnings as strong demand for its corn and soybean seeds offset weakness in other areas.

The chemicals company reported earnings of $1.19 billion, or $1.31 a share, up from $945 million, or $1.01, a year earlier.

Fresh record-high oil prices and a rush of quarterly results from bellwethers like AT&T, DuPont and McDonald’s sent the Dow down more than 100 points.