03/24/2026 Optimism Fades for Quick War Off-Ramp

03/24/2026 Click Above to Watch the Morning Market Talk Video Optimism Fades for Quick War Off-Ramp On the Grains Grain and soy markets reversed Monday’s price trends during the overnight session, with corn and wheat rising while soybeans faded. Crude oil futures firmed a little after Monday’s sharp decline as fighting in the Middle East continued and Iran called President Trump’s claim of negotiations to end the war “fake news.” Iran continued to target Israeli locations, while U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates reportedly are moving toward joining the fight against Iran. Today’s early tone in broader market risk off. But as Monday proved, sentiment can change quickly with the latest headline – or social media post. Markets remain in holding patterns as traders wait for clues to the war’s longevity. About the only certainty is heightened market volatility. While the VIX has spiked, it’s still far below far below other recent peaks, showing investor/trader fear isn’t extreme. Russia Joins Growing List of Fertilizer Exporters to Curb Shipments Russia has imposed restrictions on the export of nitrogen fertilizers from March 21 to April 21 to ensure sufficient domestic supply during the spring planting season. Russia’s ag ministry has…