Wheats Firm Up for the Weekend
The front month wheat futures ended the day firmer following Thursday’s drop. Chicago prices were up 3 ¾ to 5 cents into the weekend, as Dec ended a net 24 ¾ cents lower wk/wk. KC wheats settled fractionally to 2 ½ cents in the black, ending the week 35 ¼ cents lower to a new low for the move in Dec HRW. Spring wheat futures firmed up 3 to 5 ¾ cents on the last trade day of the week. That left Dec HRS contracts 18 ½ cents lower for the week’s move.
CoT data had managed money traders 96,805 contracts net short in Chicago wheat as of 9/19. That was a 12k contract stronger net short fueled by net new selling for the week. KC spec traders were 818 contracts less net short after light net new buying. The group was shown 12,330 contracts net short as of 9/19. CFTC reported managed money with a 15,177 contract net short in Minneapolis futures. That was a 1,816 contract stronger net short for the week via net new selling.
The International Grains Council estimates wheat production at 783 MMT, down 1 from their prior outlook and now 22 MMT lower yr/yr. Wheat carryout is also 20 MMT lower yr/yr, but was raised by 2 MMT from their prior forecast to 263 MMT.
Dec 23 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.79 1/2, up 3 3/4 cents,
Mar 24 CBOT Wheat closed at $6.06 1/2, up 4 1/4 cents,
Cash SRW Wheat was $4.92 1/4, up 3 7/8 cents,
Dec 23 KCBT Wheat closed at $7.11 1/4, up 3/4 cent,
Cash HRW Wheat was $6.40 1/2, up 1 3/4 cents,
Dec 23 MGEX Wheat closed at $7.70 1/2, up 3 cents,
On the date of publication, Alan Brugler did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.