Commodities in Focus Amid Russia Sanction Battle
The last few months have primarily focused on the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the violent conflict has escalated in recent weeks. Now, the U.S. and European Union are imposing various sanctions on Russia in an effort to get President Vladimir Putin to play ball. These actions have yet to affect the European nation. Instead, Putin has retaliated with sanctions of his own, creating something of a legislative battle, potentially creating major headwinds for certain commodities [for more commodity news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
How The Government Shutdown Could Disrupt Livestock And Agricultural Trading
Though taper talks have dominated the headlines in recent months, investors are once again turning their attention to Washington as Congress struggles to come to a bi-partisan budget agreement. On Tuesday, the U.S. federal government officially shut down after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a fiscal budget. And though the government has stressed that all “essential” operations would continue, investors are already feeling the impacts of the shutdown [for more commodity futures news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
How Ags Will React to Last Year’s Drought
The agricultural industry was hit hard by the most severe and extensive drought in at least 25 years in 2012, which had an impact on crops, livestock and food prices at all levels. While prices have already started to increase in the fourth quarter of 2012, the majority of the impact on retail food prices will likely be seen throughout 2013, according to a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) analyzing the drought [for more agricultural news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
China, The 800 lb. Gorilla
A positive GDP number out of China influences commodities today. I think today was an overreaction, but a good sign medium and longer term. Crude picked up 1% today and has quickly pulled away from the very critical $100 mark with prices approaching $104/barrel. I maintain that if we stay below $104 on a settlement basis going into the weekend we will see a sub $100 trade next week. My target remains 97.50 in May futures. I believe, today, the case was the strength in the distillates lifted Crude.
