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, …

Dalian Corn Futures Drop to Lowest Level Since March

Corn futures in Dalian fell to the lowest intraday level in almost two months amid speculation over the possibility of more import quotas and as the market awaits a delayed auction from state reserves. China is likely to utilize its entire low-tariff corn import quota of 7.2 million tons this year due to attractive import …

China Mulls Targeting Australian Wine, Dairy on Coronavirus Spat

Australian exports of wine, seafood, oatmeal, fruit and dairy are in danger of being targeted by China if Beijing decides to escalate a row over Canberra’s calls for an investigation into the origin of Covid-19, according to people familiar with the matter Chinese officials have compiled a list of potential goods that it could target …

Commodities Bounce Back on Chinese Stimulus Anticipation and Vaccine Hopes

Freight prices jumped on Monday with front month Capesize futures up over 10% on anticipation of a large stimulus package out of China later this week. This created a knock-on effect into the smaller vessels with the Panamax front month futures up over 5%. Oil futures performed well with a USD 3.00 move higher, as …

Soybeans Advance on Brightening Prospects for Demand in China

Soybean futures climbed as life gradually returns to normal in China with more people dining out and more schools reopening, a trend set to increase demand for everything from meat to cooking oil in the top consumer. Soybean meal futures in Dalian headed for their best daily gain since March. Restarting schools and restaurants is …

China’s Industrial Economy Improves While Consumers Remain Wary

China’s industrial output increased in April for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak, adding to early signs of a recovery that economists cautioned would be slow and challenging. Industrial output rose 3.9% from a year earlier, reversing a drop of 1.1% in March, data showed Friday. Fixed-asset investment decreased 10.3% in the first four …

Wheat Set for Worst Week in a Month on Record Stockpile Outlook

Wheat futures headed for their biggest weekly loss in a month on prospects for record global stockpiles, though prices held just above $5 a bushel on Friday with some areas still dry and on demand from importers. The July rice contract rose for a ninth day on tightness in U.S. old crop supplies. Soybeans advanced …

Is Australia the fall guy for the China – U.S. phase one trade deal?

I own a springer spaniel called Molly, she is small and gentle and knows never to pick a fight with a bigger dog as she was on the losing end of an altercation a few years back. The Australian government has an economy that is largely dependent on exports to China, not just minerals, but …