While the markets always present a wide range of potentially impactful issues, the current list seems to be unusually broad.
US Dollar
Overly-Negative View Toward the US Economy
All things considered, it is clear that the global economic track has softened and has become a disappointment after the optimism that followed the US election.
Plenty of Supportive Forces for the US Economy
The steep drop in many commodity market sectors could be nearing an end as a little less volatility in financial markets, a more positive tilt to the Chinese and Indian economies and less safe-haven investing could leave the US economy in good shape going forward.
The Environment for Physical Commodities Could Be Negative in the Coming Weeks
While the inevitable happened in the March FOMC meeting, the reaction in the dollar was very surprising and was modestly supportive to a number of commodities.
Surprising Global Economic Outlook Improvement
The outlook for China seems to have improved enough for them to raise short-term interest rates. In the wake of this general progression, growth-sensitive industrial commodities like crude oil and copper have already benefited.
Economic Uncertainty Increase, Negative Environment for Physical Commodities
It figures that just when it appeared as if positive equity market action and significant weakness in US Treasuries were about to confirm growth in the US economy, the US economic numbers turned sour.
US Economic Data Improving While Inflation and Growth in Euro Zone
Recent US economic data has shown some signs of improvement, with industrial production, housing starts and jobless claims all indicating positive progression.
Economic, Political Uncertainty On the Rise; Forward Commodity Demand in Question
US economic data continues to be disappointing, Trump and the GOP are trying to do everything at once, and they appear to be putting off tackling fiscal spending and tax reform in favor of wading into the quagmire of health care reform.
Disappointing US Data Heading into 2017
US data over the last several weeks have been disappointing, especially when one considers that the economy should have benefited from the holiday season.
Outlook for the Global Economy and Commodity Markets Continues to Improve
The outlook for the global economy and commodity markets in general continues to improve, but some might fret over the looming FOMC rate decision, while others might be concerned over the prospect of a firming dollar in the event the Fed does make a move to hike rates.