Saudi Arabia’s Almunajem Foods Co. has started talks to acquire a minority stake in the local business Al Jouf Agricultural Development Company. In a stock exchange filing yesterday (19 January), Almunajem Foods said the potential investment in the agribusiness is aligned with its strategy of “achieving continuous growth and strengthening its position within the food sector”. Al Jouf cultivates fruit, vegetables and grains such as potatoes, onions and wheat but also produces olive oil, honey, pickles, a ...

Market Overview - US stocks experienced fluctuations as Wall Street concluded a volatile trading year with significant gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all losing around 0.1% in early trading [1][6] - The S&P 500 is up over 17% for the year, marking its sixth year of 15%-plus gains in the last seven years, while the Nasdaq Composite has risen over 20% and the Dow is up over 13% [2] Economic Indicators - Initial jobless claims for the week ending December 27 fell to 199,000 from a revised 215,000, surprising economists who had predicted an increase to 218,000 [7][8] - Continuing claims also decreased to 1.86 million from 1.91 million, contrary to expectations of a smaller decline to 1.90 million [9] Federal Reserve Outlook - The Federal Reserve's interest rate strategy remains a focal point, with 85% of bets indicating that rates will remain steady in January [5][10] - The central bank's decision-making process is influenced by labor market conditions rather than inflation data, as indicated by the close call in the December meeting [10] Commodity Market - Sugar prices are on track for their largest annual decline since 2017, dropping approximately 21% due to oversupply [12] - Other agricultural commodities like cocoa and rice have also seen significant price drops, with futures contracts falling by 48% and 32% respectively [14] Currency Performance - The US dollar is set to finish its weakest year since 2017, declining over 9% year-to-date, influenced by economic concerns and a dovish Federal Reserve [15] - In contrast, the euro and pound have gained 13% and 7% respectively, marking their largest yearly gains in eight years [16]

Stock Market Overview - US stocks experienced a decline on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all losing around 0.4%, marking their fourth consecutive day of losses [1] - Despite the recent losses, the S&P 500 is up over 17% for the year, the Nasdaq Composite has risen over 20%, and the Dow is up over 13%, indicating a strong performance throughout 2025 [2][3] Economic Indicators - Initial jobless claims for the week ended December 27 fell to 199,000, down from a revised 215,000, surprising economists who had predicted an increase [16][18] - Continuing claims also decreased to 1.86 million from 1.91 million, further indicating a stronger labor market than expected [18][20] Oil Market Dynamics - Oil prices are on track for their largest annual loss since the pandemic began, with Brent crude down approximately 17% and WTI crude down about 18% year-to-date [9][10] - OPEC increased monthly production by 2.9 million barrels per day from April to December, contributing to the oversupply in the market [10] - The International Energy Agency forecasts an oversupply of 3.8 million barrels per day for 2026, with price targets for Brent crude set in the $50s, potentially dropping into the $30s or $40s if production strategies do not change [11] Agricultural Commodities - Sugar prices are expected to see their largest annual decline since 2017, dropping around 21% due to high global production levels [22] - Other agricultural commodities like cocoa, potatoes, and rice have also experienced significant price declines, with cocoa futures down 48% and rice down 32% [24] Currency Market - The US dollar is set to finish its weakest year since 2017, dropping over 9% year-to-date, influenced by President Trump's tariff agenda and a dovish Federal Reserve outlook [25] - In contrast, the euro and pound have gained 13% and 7% respectively, marking their largest yearly gains in eight years [26]

Every Halloween, kids in costume fill their baskets with a smorgus board of sweets. But there's a new star of the spooky season. >> Pick whatever you want.>> You can grab two. >> That is kids saying trick or tater. >> Did you just get a potato.>> Yes. >> Videos of homeowners handing out potatoes on Halloween have been sprouting up on social media in recent years, leaving some puzzled, but surprisingly most ecstatic. >> YOU WANT MORE POTATOES. WHO WANTS MORE POTATOES.>> Candy or a potato. >> Potato. >> Pat B ...

Core Insights - Bill Gates has committed to giving away 99% of his wealth, yet his investments in American farmland continue to grow, positioning him as a significant player in this sector [1][2]. Group 1: Farmland Holdings - Gates ranks 43rd among America's largest private landowners, owning 275,000 acres, with approximately 248,000 acres designated as active farmland [2]. - His farmland investments are framed as professional endeavors aimed at increasing productivity and job creation, rather than personal wealth accumulation [3][4]. Group 2: Investment Rationale - Gates began investing in farmland in 2013 through Cascade Investment, attracted by its steady value increase and low volatility, with U.S. farmland prices reportedly increasing sixfold from 1940 to 2015 [5]. - The farmland primarily produces staple crops such as corn, soybeans, and potatoes, and is typically leased to farmers, managed by professionals [6].