U.S. equity markets were consolidating gains as the first quarter of 2017 ended. Foreign equity markets, meanwhile, are starting to outperform U.S. equities, which is a good sign for building global economic momentum and demand for commodities.

Bobby Coats, professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness at the University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture, lists a number of markets that are showing significant gains for the first quarter.

Among those are India, up 19.44 percent; Mexico, up 16.37 percent; emerging markets, up 12.51 percent; Brazil, up 12.36 percent; Australia, up 11.76 percent; China, up 10.89 percent; technology sector, up 10.66 percent; and the NASDAQ composite, up 9.82 percent.

Of the U.S. commodities cotton is up the most – 9.46 for the first quarter – according to Dr. Coats, writing in his weekly analysis of a broad range of markets. To see the analysis, click on

http://www.deltafarmpress.com/marketing/strengthening-foreign-equity-markets-supportive-commodity-market-complex.

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