Corn and cattle opened down but settled up; soyoil opened up but closed down with the rest of the complex; and wheat never saw the light of day. The rationale for the doldrums at the open was news of a March increase in the Federal Funds rate. That would reduce liquidity and inflation, starving capital from commodities. However, petroleum is the biggest commodity and it closed higher, equities closed lower but in low percentage terms, leaving wheat to get clobbered. An interest rate hike is not a surprise and technicals remain at play.
Despite the down day in soybeans, the March contract remains nearly 50 cents higher over the past five days of trading. Corn also remains higher, but wheat has been demonstrably the victim of bears. ...
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...