Cattle Futures in Limbo
Outside Markets & Headlines
Equity markets were firm last night but started to soften rather quickly around 4am CT. Oil has traded both sides of unchanged but is back near the upper end of the overnight range. Metal markets tried to firm overnight but retreated alongside equity markets around 4am, pairing gains in the overnight trade.
Live Cattle (April)
April live cattle officially rejected the 20-day moving average yesterday, with some help from the outside markets coming under pressure The market pulled back and came within 10 cents of first support, which we’ve had outlined as 232.55. IF that were to give way, 231.00 would be the next downside objective. Technicals and seasonals remain to suggest selling rallies is the trend. Cash trade has been pretty mute over the last few days, that could potentially turn the tide. The other potential catalyst for a directional move could be this afternoon’s Cattle on Feed report. The average analyst estimate for on feed is 99.3%. Placements are expected to be near 100.2%, and the average estimate for marketings is at 92.6%.
Resistance:235.91***, 236.99*** 239.05-239.95****
Pivot: 233.60
Support: 232.55**, 231.11***, 229.60**** 228.85**
Fund Positioning
Friday’s Commitment of Traders report showed funds were net sellers of 4,919 Futures contracts, shrinking their net long position to 112,044 (still historically large).
Seasonal Tendencies
Below is an updated look at historical price averages over different time frames, 5, 10 ,15, 20, and 30 years. Historically, we are entering a weaker time of year for prices, whether or not that plays out again this year or not is TBD. Seasonal studies are just another tool in the toolbox, but if you have physical risk, it may be enough of a reason to consider protecting price from these levels.
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