Trump/Xi Call + Cattle All-Time Highs

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Soybean/Corn Price Action and Trump5:24 US Weather8:45 Cattle Prices Surge11:46 Export Sales14:19 Trade Deficit16:37Jobless Claims🌱 Soybeans Climb on Trade HopeSoybean futures popped on Thursday! 📈 The July25 contract gained nearly 7¢, settling near $10.52 after a phone call between President Trump and President Xi reignited optimism around US-China trade talks. 🤝 A face-to-face meeting could be next!🌾 Grains Mixed on GeopoliticsChicago wheat added 2¢ 📊 amid rising Ukraine-Russia tensions, while corn futures ticked higher 🚜 but were capped by sluggish US export demand.🔥 Drought Monitor UpdateThe Corn Belt stayed mostly dry last week, worsening drought in IA, IL, MO & WI. 🌵 But only 10% of the region remains in drought—down from 32% earlier this year! The High Plains got relief thanks to widespread rains. ☔📊 Current Drought Impact:• Corn: 21%• Soybeans: 16%• Winter Wheat: 12%• Spring Wheat: 19%• Cattle: 21%🐮 Cattle Prices Hit Record Highs!Feeder & live cattle contracts soared to new records! 🚀 Front-month live cattle jumped $4.50 to $222.90, while feeders surged $5.28 to $309.15. Strong fat cattle prices, tight supplies & current feedlots = 🔥 fundamentals.🚢 US Export Sales Recap• 🌽 Corn: 37M bu – Up 3% W/W, Mexico top buyer• 🌱 Soybeans: 7M bu – Up 33% W/W, Bangladesh top buyer• 🌾 Wheat (25/26): 16M bu – Down 37% W/W, unknown buyers dominate📉 Record Drop in US Trade DeficitThe US trade gap fell by a record $76.7B in April, landing at $61.6B. 📉 Imports plunged 16.3% while exports rose 3% as businesses braced for tariffs. Biggest deficit drops came vs. China, the EU, and Vietnam. 🌍📈 Jobless Claims Rise AgainInitial jobless claims rose to 247K—highest since October. 📊 Continued claims dipped slightly but still sit above 2024 levels. Slowing hiring, trade anxiety, and lower consumer demand = labor market stress. 😬Don’t forget to like & subscribe for real-time grain market updates! 👇💬