The yield curve on Treasury bonds inverted during overnight trading, the first time this has occurred since 2007. The spread between three-year and five-year bonds dipped to negative 1.4 basis points, and that between two-year and five-year bonds followed. Each of the last seven recessions was predated by inverted yield curves. However, it is typically the spread between the two-year and 10-year Treasury notes that is generally considered the benchmark yield curve for bonds, which is currently 15 basis points after flattening throughout the year from a peak of 80 basis points. Although it couldn’t be gleaned from this morning’s press stories, an inverted yield curve is not the cause of recessions; it is sometimes a warning sign...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
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Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
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