Good afternoon and welcome to Markets Desk.
Inflation clocked in at four point two percent, and while that stings, analysts are pointing toward relief ahead. Lower gasoline prices and the fading impact of tariffs are expected to pull that number down meaningfully by the end of two thousand twenty six, suggesting the peak may already be behind us.
Shifting to commodities, soybeans are the standout mover in the ag complex today, with most contracts gaining eight to eleven cents and the national cash price climbing twelve cents to ten dollars and seventy cents. Soymeal and soy oil are both trading higher as well, reflecting broad demand support across the complex heading into the growing season.
And in precious metals, gold has officially entered a bear market for the first time since two thousand twenty two, falling more than twenty percent from its recent peak in just ninety one days — the fastest such decline since two thousand eight. What began as a crowded safe-haven trade has unwound sharply as risk appetite returned and dollar dynamics shifted against the metal.
That's the tape. Markets Desk, signing off the floor.
