For the second day of this holiday-shortened week, the overnight session produced minor losses for grain and the soy complex amid extremely light trading volume. However, that did not adequately prepare traders for what happened during the day session. Wheat and corn markets were pummeled by mostly noncommercial selling that drove KC and Chicago wheat futures as well as soybeans futures to double-digit losses. Corn futures prices were not quite as weak, but that is faint praise. Funds showed no fear of selling across the board even though they already collectively hold very large short positions in corn, soybeans and wheat. Chicago wheat was the weakest item with the May contract closing down 14.5 cents at $4.45 after being down more than...
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What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...