Corn Outlook: Confusion reigned in the commodity and financial markets this week because of the earthquake in Japan and escalation of the unrest in Libya. Japan’s transportation infrastructure has been severely damaged which will disrupt grain shipments and may cause some cancellations. The Bank of Japan has pumped $180 billion into their economy and[…]
Corn Outlook: Uncertainty breeds uncertainty. This is the situation traders face in the grains. What will the Planting Intentions Report show at the end of the month? Will weather cooperate this spring? Will unrest in the Middle East and escalating energy prices put a damper on the global economy? Traders are currently gazing in[…]
Corn Outlook: While traders eye developments in Libya and the Middle East, the calendar has turned to March and their focus is on planting intentions and weather. Stocks of corn are tight, and a planting delay or adverse growing conditions could draw them down further. In the meantime, we must not lose sight of[…]
Corn Outlook: Grain futures were broadsided this week because of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Protests in Libya have resulted in hundreds of deaths. The unrest raised concerns of potential disruption of oil and grain shipments in the region. Because of the turmoil, the bulls are more cautious. Be advised that the trend[…]
Corn Outlook: Sensitive news in corn will be scarce until planting commences late next month. Meanwhile, USDA’s 2011 baseline acreage projection for corn is larger than expected at 92.0 million, up from 88.2 million in 2010. In addition, there are other private forecasts expecting an increase in acres as well. This briefly tempered bullish[…]
Corn Outlook: China raised lending rates by .25 percent causing a knee-jerk reaction lower in the grains early this week. The rates were ratcheted upward in an effort to fend off inflation and contain prices. However, the rate increase was soon forgotten when the USDA lowered 2010-11 ending corn stocks 70 MB to 675[…]
Corn Outlook: All eyes are on developments in Egypt and the Middle East. The issue is who succeeds President Mubarak, and will there be a peaceful transition? If the Muslim Brotherhood gains control, it will be the worst possible scenario for the interests of the U.S., Europe, and Israel. Meanwhile, the grain and commodity[…]
Corn Outlook: The advance in corn stumbled this week because of the increased chance for rain in Argentina and lackluster exports. However, large speculators are not throwing in the towel, just yet. Meanwhile, the trend following funds expanded their long position 195 MB last week to 1.740 BB, while the longs of the index[…]
Corn Outlook: USDA delivered the final 2010 Crop Report this week that had anxiously been awaited by traders and producers. A bullish report was expected and traders were not disappointed. Ending stocks of corn were lowered to 745 MB from 832 MB in December. This was enough of a reduction to fan the flames. […]
Corn Outlook: Corn futures sank to a two-week low this week from the forecast of showers in Argentina. Pressure also came from expectations that the index funds will rebalance their long corn position this month, which may involve selling up to 175 MB. Last week, the trend following funds increased their long corn position[…]