USDA's weekly export sales report is due at 7:30 a.m. CST, the same time as weekly U.S. jobless claims, U.S. fourth-quarter productivity and an update of the U.S. Drought Monitor. The ISM index of U.S. manufacturing is at 9 a.m., followed by the Energy Department's report on natural gas storage at 9:30 a.m. NASS's Fats and Oils report is set for 2 p.m.
Weather
A major winter storm continues to push into California and spread through the western states on Thursday, a significant feature to watch as it moves into the Plains for Friday. But areas east of the Rockies continue to be overall warm and quiet ahead of the storm.