What You Need to Know Today:

The U.S. conducted “self-defense strikes” in Iran and said the two sides are “close” to negotiating a ceasefire. “Close” is a relative term, however, and even if 95 percent of the terms are agreed to, the remaining 5 percent is likely the nonnegotiable issue that will hang up any further progress. Traders are increasingly optimistic about a possible resolution in the Persian Gulf, which sent crude oil and grain futures lower in risk-off trade. Congestion in the Panama Canal is a growing threat to U.S. grain exports and one that could add $16/MT to freight costs from the U.S. Gulf-Asia routes. Grain markets were lower as favorable weather for the Midwest reduced early growing...