Americas   US Economic Data demonstrated slowing, though still positive activity. Q1 2019 GDP was revised slightly lower to +3.1% annualized growth (still excellent) while the Atlanta Fed projected Q2 at +1.4% annualized.  Payrolls notably slowed in May, up +75,000 and -75,000 removed from the previous two months.  Official unemployment…

OPEC Oil Production   maintained its April level at about 30.2 million barrels per day (mbpd), reaching cuts of 1.2 mbpd or about 300,000 bpd lower than their target of 812,000 bpd. This is the lowest level since 2015.  The next meeting is from June 25-26 to discuss continuing these…

During the month of May, the top 3 performing sectors were: Grains (9.22%), Interest Rates (2.08%) and Softs (1.47%). Grains pushed returns as crop progress fell behind due to inadequate weather conditions. The bottom 3 sectors were: S&P GSCI (-8.21%), Indices (-7.28%) and Livestock (-7.13%). Equities struggled to perform as…

Americas   US Economic Data hit a high mark with Q1 2019 GDP reaching +3.2% annualized growth, topping all forecasts that averaged +2.3%. Consumer spending was up +1.2%, better than expected, with gains in inventories (+0.7%) and net exports (+1.0%) also more supportive than expected.  Conventionally, these last two categories…