Corn Outlook: Grain futures began on a weak note after Labor Day, as anxiety about the sovereign debt crisis in Europe resurfaced. Rumors circulated that 4-5 European banks could be in danger of failing. Keep in mind that major banks in the U.S. have exposure to the debt crisis as well. Meanwhile, uncertainty regarding[…]
Corn Outlook: Heat stress that occurred during July shows as yield prospects are growing dimmer. Late planted corn will prove to be the biggest casualty as harvest progresses. Yield reports, so far, are disappointing. Currently, 54 percent of the corn crop is rated in good-to-excellent condition, a decline of 3 percent from the previous[…]
Corn Outlook: Grain traders have put aside concerns regarding the weakening global economy and are focused on production prospects. The corn crop continues to deteriorate as reflected by conditions falling three points to 57 percent in the good-to-excellent category. This is seven points below the five-year average. The greatest decline was in Illinois with[…]
Corn Outlook: The financial markets remain chaotic as there are many obstacles standing in the way of a global recovery. Grain traders are keeping one eye on the outside markets while focusing on supply and weather with the other. After declining for four weeks, the crop rating for corn was steady at 60 percent[…]
Corn Outlook: The recent downgrade of the U.S. debt has shaken investor confidence in a struggling economy. It sent worldwide panic throughout the financial markets causing a slaughter in equities. Stocks fell 16 percent before conditions stabilized. The cry among investors was, “get me out!” Meanwhile, corn weathered the storm during the sell-off as[…]
Corn Outlook: The debt-ceiling dilemma was laid to rest on Tuesday when the Senate approved to raise the debt limit to $2.4 trillion, the largest increase in history. The grains rallied sharply after the announcement as if a weight had been lifted. However, they have since slid on improving weather, signs of a double dip[…]
Corn Outlook: Two issues are captivating the attention of producers and traders—weather and the debt-ceiling dilemma. Oppressive heat has taken a toll on the corn crop during the past couple of weeks, as the ratings are ten percent below a year ago at 62 percent in good-to-excellent condition. However, conditions are expected to improve. […]
Corn Outlook: The past few weeks have been exasperating for grain producers and traders. The question regarding planted corn acres is still being debated. Excessive heat in the Midwest is a factor. The U.S is at risk of having its debt rating downgraded. In addition, the debt ceiling drama among lawmakers continues, while the[…]
Corn Outlook: Uncertainty prevails in the grains leaving the nerves of traders and producers frayed. The debt ceiling negotiations in Washington are in stalemate. Italy is the latest domino behind Greece and Portugal in the European debt crisis. There is speculation of a QE3. Lastly, the crops are behind in development, and the Corn[…]
Corn Outlook: The bulls mustered a bounce in corn following the July 4th holiday. However, the bears are still holding the edge. Since April, the trend following funds have reduced their long corn position 675 MB to 895 MB. The longs of the index funds have fallen 130 MB to 1.890 BB. Large institutional[…]