China Abandons Hard Growth Target, Shifts Stimulus Focus to Jobs

The Chinese government abandoned its decades-long practice of setting an annual target for economic growth amid the storm of uncertainty unleashed by the coronavirus pandemic, and said it would continue to increase stimulus. Speaking at the National People’s Congress in Beijing on Friday morning, Premier Li Keqiang delivered an annual policy address that instead laid …

Wheat Highest in More Than a Week on Signs of Lower U.S. Yields

Wheat futures climbed for a third day to the strongest level in more than a week on signs of lower winter crop yields in parts of the U.S. and as Russia’s production may come in smaller than thought. Drought conditions are limiting yield potential in southwestern and west-central Kansas, Aaron Harries, vice president of research and operations …

What to Watch as China Unveils Stimulus in Policy Meeting

China’s top leaders should reveal on Friday how much they’re planning to spend on stimulus to support the post-virus economy, when they belatedly announce their economic policy blueprint for the rest of 2020. The centerpiece event will be the work report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang, which typically contains the economic growth and spending targets, …

Oil Heads for Sixth Daily Advance After U.S. Stockpile Draws

Oil was headed for its longest run of daily gains in 15 months after a drop in U.S. crude stockpiles added to signs that a market upended by coronavirus lockdowns and a producer price war is rebalancing. Futures in New York rose for a sixth day past $34 a barrel, the longest streak for the …

Iron Ore Steady as Supply Concern, Import Rules Mulled

Iron ore futures in Singapore were steady Thursday amid heightened concern over supply of the steelmaking raw material and the flagging of new import rules by China. Prices could test $120/ton as global supply is failing to keep pace with resilient consumption, according to Morgans Financial Ltd. Brazil iron ore shipments had their slowest start …