Even though Thursday is New Year's Eve, much of the day will be typical. USDA's weekly export sales report is due out at 7:30 a.m. CST, joined by weekly U.S. jobless claims and an update of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The U.S. Energy Department reports on natural gas storage at 9:30 a.m. U.S. grain and livestock futures close at their normal times Thursday and will resume trading Sunday evening at 7 p.m. CST.
Weather
The secondary system to this week's storm developing over Texas on Thursday will move northeast through the Midwest on Friday. Another round of freezing rain and snow will occur to the north and west of the storm track with significant impacts to transportation and livestock. A boost in soil moisture is also anticipated for the Southern Plains to Midwest and points south and east.