Let's get to Kevin Green to sort of break down the action as far as the setup as we head into this FOMC decision. Uh good morning to you KG. Thanks so much for joining me.I'm just wondering, you know, what are your expectations. What are you seeing there as far as volatility heading into the Fed decision. >> Yeah, I would not be surprised if we actually do trade within, let's say, a 15 point range going into the statement uh at 2 p.m. Eastern time. And that's usually something that we do see on a day like t ...

Group 1: Company Highlights - Village Farms International (VFF) has seen a 75% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Seanergy Maritime Holdings (SHIP) has experienced a 72.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Two Harbors Investments Corp (TWO) has had a 10.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - BHP Group Limited (BHP) has seen a 9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [4] - Fox (FOX) has experienced a 7.7% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [4] Group 2: Investment Recommendations - The companies mentioned have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong investment potential [1][2][3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current sentiment in the precious metals market, particularly focusing on gold and silver, in light of recent CFTC data and the potential for interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve [2][26]. Group 1: Market Sentiment and CFTC Data - Due to the U.S. government shutdown, CFTC data on futures market positions was only updated until October 28, showing a significant increase in both gold and silver net long positions, with gold up 14.7% and silver up 22.4% [2][6]. - The gold-silver ratio has decreased from over 80 to 72, marking the lowest level since August 2021, with a cumulative decline of 20.7% this year [2][21]. - The market sentiment is influenced by expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with the probability of a rate cut in December rising to nearly 90% [2][24]. Group 2: Investment Strategies and Future Outlook - Investors are advised to consider their strategies for the period between potential rate cuts in December and April, as the market anticipates a 50% chance of another cut in April [2][26]. - The article suggests that if Trump were to regain influence over the Federal Reserve, it could lead to further rate cuts, thereby supporting gold prices [26][29]. - The current market dynamics indicate a strong demand for physical gold, which may not be fully reflected in futures market positions, suggesting a potential for price increases [16][30]. Group 3: Performance of Precious Metals - Year-to-date, net long positions in gold futures have decreased by 42%, while silver has seen a 35% increase [7][8]. - Platinum and copper have also shown significant changes, with copper net positions turning positive for the first time this year [10][13]. - The article highlights that the gold price has remained high despite a reduction in long positions, indicating strong physical demand [16][19]. Group 4: Broader Economic Context - The article notes that the global economic outlook remains uncertain, with expectations of continued inflationary pressures and potential stagflation, which typically favors investments in commodities [29][30]. - The relationship between U.S. interest rates and gold prices is emphasized, suggesting that a decline in rates could lead to higher gold prices, especially if inflation persists [30][32].

Economic Policy & Impact - The Governor suggests that Trump's tariff policy is causing prices to increase, negatively impacting soybean farmers, requiring a multi-billion dollar bailout [1] - The "big ugly bill" is expected to devastate rural health care and economies due to the importance of rural hospitals as major employers [1][5] - Trump's policies are seen as making life harder for average Americans, with the American dream becoming less attainable [1] - Soybean farmers are struggling due to Trump's tariffs on China, leading China to seek alternative markets [1] - The president's policies may have permanently damaged the soybean market, potentially causing long-term economic pain [2] Political Strategy & Criticism - The Governor advises Trump to campaign on his economic claims, believing that the American people know the truth about the economy [1][5] - The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) plans to win many of the 36 gubernatorial races in the coming year, aiming to change the political map [4] - Democratic governors claim to have a track record of job creation, wage increases, and healthcare expansion [6] Transparency & Accountability - The Governor calls for transparency regarding the Trump administration's deadly strikes, urging the release of legal justification and video evidence [9] - The administration's refusal to release information raises questions and suspicions [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record-breaking performance in fiscal 2025, with significant increases in net sales, gross profit, and net income [21][13] - Net sales per ton grew by 6% over a 23-year period, while gross profit per ton increased by 7.6% annually [17][18] - The diluted earnings per share for Q1 of fiscal 2026 was $1.06, compared to $3.70 for the full year of fiscal 2025 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Fluids Purification Division experienced nearly 20% growth from fiscal 2024 to 2025, driven by new business in renewable diesel and vegetable oil sectors [42][40] - The Consumer Products Division saw a 10% CAGR in the domestic cat litter business over the past five years, with a significant milestone being the acquisition of UltraPET [46][47] - The Agriculture segment, particularly Amlin, is focusing on natural solutions as customers move away from therapeutic antibiotics, with strong growth prospects in the poultry and dairy industries [66][69] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lightweight litter segment has shown explosive 10% volume growth, significantly outperforming the overall litter category [48][49] - The renewable diesel market is expected to grow due to recent EPA rulings, positioning the company well for increased sales in this sector [43][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to a "Moneyball" strategy, focusing on data analytics to enhance decision-making and improve profitability [13][19] - Continued investment in manufacturing infrastructure is a priority to support long-term growth and operational efficiency [20][30] - The company plans to execute opportunistic share repurchases and maintain a strong balance sheet to support future investments [29][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the potential for profit gains in the second half of the fiscal year, despite a tough comparison to the previous year [78] - The company is optimistic about the growth in the renewable diesel and vegetable oil markets, anticipating increased demand due to regulatory changes [43][40] Other Important Information - The company has raised its annual dividend increase from $0.04 to $0.10 per share, reflecting its commitment to returning value to shareholders [22] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet, with net cash position as of the end of Q1 fiscal 2026 [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are you more or less confident of recovery in the second half? - Management indicated that while the first half faced tough comparisons, they are ahead of their plan and see a realistic possibility of profit gains for the year as a whole [78] Question: Are Oil-Dri's bleaching clays being used to filter sustainable aviation fuel? - Yes, the sustainable aviation fuel market is growing, and the company expects increased sales of bleaching clay products in this sector [79] Question: What are the headwinds for Amlin this year? - Key issues include tariffs causing customer uncertainty, but orders have resumed, particularly in Brazil [81][82] Question: Will we see new products this year? - The company continues to invest in R&D and innovation, with new and improved crystal solutions being launched [83]

President Trump holds a roundtable with farmers impacted by tariffs. After the announcement of $12 billion in aid, Trump took questions from the press. He was pressed on the September 2nd “double tap” on the boat, revealing he “saw” the video. He was also asked about his GOP health care plan, Alina Habba resigning and the affordability issue he recently called a “con job.” MS NOW: My Source for News, Opinion, and the World. Same mission. New name. » Subscribe to MS NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@msnow MS NOW ...

Up to $11 billion of the funds will be reserved for farmers of row crops, including soybeans, who were hit hard during a tariff dispute earlier this year. https://t.co/3iTNCP60Xl (Photo: Getty Images) https://t.co/kjpVMBeFqF ...

President Trump is expected to announce $12 billion in aid to farmers hit by tariff policies. Farmers, as well as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, are expected to attend the roundtable event. » Subscribe to MS NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@msnow MS NOW is the go-to destination for domestic and international breaking news, and best-in-class opinion journalism. For more context and news coverage of the most important stories of our day click here: https://www.ms.now/ ...

Group 1: Company Highlights - Village Farms International (VFF) has seen a 75% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - CorMedix (CRMD) has experienced a 56.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Aercap (AER) has had a 14% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - General Motors (GM) has seen a 10.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Five Below (FIVE) has experienced a 7.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [4]

Key Takeaways from J.P. Morgan Global Commodities 2026 Outlook Industry Overview - The report focuses on the commodities sector, particularly the dynamics between energy and metals markets, highlighting a supply-driven "crocodile cycle" where tight metals outperform oversupplied energy markets [1][27]. Core Insights - The Bloomberg Commodities Index (BCOM) has increased nearly 12% in 2025, with expectations for stability in 2026 as declines in energy prices are countered by gains in industrial and precious metals [7][10]. - Historical commodity price cycles have shown synchronized movements across markets, but a divergence occurred in 2024, with energy prices falling while metals prices surged due to supply dynamics [7][39]. - Commodities contributed to higher headline inflation in 2025, reversing their previous disinflationary role in 2023 and 2024, driven by rising prices in food and metals despite a 16% drop in oil prices [7][51]. Precious Metals Outlook - A bullish outlook on gold is maintained for the fourth consecutive year, with prices expected to reach $5,000/oz due to strong central bank and investor demand [9][16]. - Silver prices are projected to rise towards $58/oz, supported by ongoing demand despite potential cracks in industrial usage [16]. - Platinum prices are expected to average $1,670/oz in 2026, while palladium prices may face downward pressure due to weaker demand growth [16][17]. Industrial Metals Outlook - Industrial metals, particularly copper, are favored, with prices expected to rally towards $12,500/mt in 1H26 due to acute supply disruptions [9][18]. - The copper market is anticipated to tighten due to flat mine supply growth and resilient demand, particularly from power utilities and data centers [18][44]. - Aluminum prices are expected to rise towards $3,000/mt in 1H26 before facing downward pressure from increased supply growth in Indonesia later in the forecast [18][45]. Agricultural Commodities Outlook - The agricultural market is expected to experience increased volatility amid improving US-China trade relations, although significant purchases from China during the 2025/26 season are not anticipated [19]. - Price targets for various agricultural commodities have been revised higher, with ICE 2 Cotton identified as a top pick for 2026/27 [19]. Natural Gas and Oil Outlook - The outlook for US natural gas has shifted to bearish, with prices expected to average $3.74/MMBtu in 2026 due to strong production growth [9][20]. - A bearish outlook on oil is maintained, with Brent prices projected to average $58/bbl in 2026, following a decline from $80 in 2024 [9][24]. - Global oil supply is expected to outpace demand, leading to a projected surplus of 2.8 mbd in 2026, which will exert downward pressure on prices [24]. Technical and Derivatives Insights - The report includes technical analysis and trade recommendations for commodities, emphasizing the importance of a targeted investment approach to capitalize on outperforming sectors [9][47]. - Volatility in oil prices is expected to remain subdued, while precious metals are entering 2026 with elevated volatility levels [52][62]. Conclusion - The commodities market is characterized by a significant divergence between energy and metals, with supply constraints in metals providing better investment opportunities compared to oversupplied energy markets [27][47].