Welcome to Markets Desk, your midday read on what's moving markets and the broader economy.
In energy and commodities, the Trump administration is directing roughly seven hundred million dollars toward the coal sector, with the president expected to address efforts to boost domestic coal power plants and expand exports. Coal stocks climbed on the news, reflecting renewed policy tailwinds for a sector that had long been written off by investors betting on the energy transition.
Shifting to the agricultural complex, corn futures are extending their slide into Thursday, down two to three cents in early trade after losing as much as nine cents in some contracts the prior session. July corn is pressing against contract lows, while December has retreated to its weakest level since February, signaling persistent demand concerns and supply-side pressure that traders are watching closely.
And in the tech and venture space, artificial intelligence is reshaping the early-stage fundraising landscape in ways that cut against young companies. The argument is straightforward — when AI compresses the cost of building a product, investors question whether seed-stage capital is even necessary at prior valuations, raising the bar significantly for founders trying to get their first check.
That's the tape. Markets Desk, signing off the floor.
