Recent economic data is still less than conclusive on where the U.S. economy is headed. Last week’s job report came out strong. Payrolls were up 263,000 jobs and unemployment was at 3.5 percent, tied with the pre-pandemic lows, but the workforce participation rate in September was 62.3 percent, down from 62.4 percent in August, tied for the second highest of the year. That compares with a 63.1 percent yearly average in 2019, pre-pandemic; September 2019 was 63.2 percent. So, the workforce is still below pre-pandemic levels.
Those voluntarily leaving the marketplace for jobs among the unemployed was 15.9 percent, the highest in more than 30 years. People who dropped out of the job market and no longer actively looked for employment...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
