The U.S. Labor Department's employment cost index for the first quarter and a report on U.S. personal incomes for March are both due out at 7:30 a.m. CDT Friday. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index of April is set for 9 a.m. CDT. Otherwise, traders will be watching the latest weather forecasts and any news of export sales.
Weather
Dry conditions will cover most primary crop areas Friday. Precipitation will focus in south Texas through the lower Delta with possible flooding. This pattern is generally favorable for fieldwork and planting; however, extreme wildfire threat covers the drought-affected northern Plains.