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12-15 End of Day: Markets Close Mostly Higher and Near the Day’s Highs

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • After briefly trading lower on this morning’s open, the corn market saw two-sided trade with little fresh news and closed higher on the day, on some likely position squaring ahead of the weekend.
  • The USDA reported another round of private exporter sales, and near record NOPA crush numbers for November lent support to the soybean market that saw choppy two-sided to close the day mixed and well off its lows. 
  • Soybean meal and oil also saw choppy two sided trade and closed mostly higher, which added support to soybeans and was reflected in the 7 ¾ cent gain in January Board crush margins.
  • All three wheat classes settled firmly in the green on follow-through strength from yesterday’s solid export sales that were a marketing year high and the largest since 2020.
  • To see the updated US 8 – 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, as well as the Brazil and Argentina 2-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of December’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus old crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a sideways to lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn futures saw some late session buying strength to push slightly higher on the sessions. March corn added 3 ¾ cents on the days but was 2 ½ cents on the week. 
  • Relatively quiet news day in the corn markets as prices saw positive money flow toward the end of the session. Managed funds are still sitting in a large short position in the corn market, and likely squared some of those positions heading into the weekend.
  • December corn futures expired on Thursday. The concern in the market now is the carry to the March contract. March is currently holding a 23 ¾ cent carry to December’s final closing price, and this could keep pressure on the March contract as demand concerns, and a large current supply of corn, will limit the front end of the corn market.
  • Ethanol margins should see some price support with a potential turn in energy prices. Both crude oil and gasoline prices are looking to close the week with gains for the first time in 8 weeks on Friday afternoon. This could signal a potential near-term low in energy prices, which should help support the corn market if the trend turns higher.
  • South American weather will remain a focus for the market. The next 7 days show a more moderating precipitation. Longer extended forecasts are more favorable for crop growth, but those forecasts will need to materialize. The South American weather concerns will likely be a longer-term corn story as Brazil looks towards soybean harvest and corn planting in the weeks ahead.

Above: Since the middle of November, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees a continued opportunity to sell a portion of your old crop 2023 soybean production. Since last summer, the soybean market has been mostly rangebound between 1435 on the topside and 1251 on the bottom. Within this range, the 1330 area has been a strong pivot point. When over 1330, the front month has been able to challenge the 1400 area, but below 1330 the front month has challenged the 1250 area. Following last Friday’s USDA update, the market has attempted to rally above 1330, but so far that rally has been rejected. This rejection poses the risk that the front month could challenge the 1250 area again. Also, given the projected record large global carryout of soybeans, Grain Market Insider wants to take advantage of the historical value of 1300+ soybean prices.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day mostly lower apart from the January contract which closed higher by a hair. Soybeans came back significantly from their lows earlier in the day, and soybean oil ended with a higher close, while meal ended higher in the two front months.
  • For the week, January soybeans gained 11 ¾ cents, January meal gained just 0.90, and January soybean oil lost 0.21. Some strength came from the hot and dry conditions in Brazil this week, but rain is set to return next week. Flash sales were reported nearly every day this week, which also added support.
  • This morning, the USDA reported private exporter sales of 134,000 mt of soybeans for delivery to China and 447,500 mt for delivery to unknown during the 23/24 marketing year. Just this week, 1,436,500 mt of soybean were reportedly sold with China and unknown destinations as the main buyers. At least one sale was reported each day this week.
  • The NOPA crush report was released today and showed a near record crush for November at 189.038 mb, which was above the average trade guess of 187 mb and above last year’s 179 mb. Crush margins have slipped this week but remain profitable.

Above: After posting a high of 1398 ½ in November, soybeans found support around 1292. Overhead, nearby resistance remains near 1350 and again around 1400. If the market breaks support at 1292, it runs the risk of testing 1250.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • All three US wheat classes closed higher again today, despite a mixed to lower close in Paris milling wheat futures. The US March contracts all closed near session highs, despite the US Dollar’s two-sided trade, and strength into the close. Yesterday’s export sales were a marketing year high at 54.8 mb and the largest since June of 2020. Wheat may have traded higher today following through on that news. With the recent large sales to China, wheat export commitments are now up 3% versus a year ago, with the USDA forecasting a decline of 4.5%.
  • On a bearish note, rain today in the US southern Plains will benefit the winter wheat crop and also help soil conditions. There are also chances for more rain over the next two weeks. While this may not have much impact currently, it may lead to improved conditions in the spring that could pressure the market.
  • Now that the Federal Reserve’s policy on raising interest rates seems to have ceased, this could mean that fund money may begin to flow back into the agriculture sector. Currently, index fund holdings in the ag space are down about 35% from the peak in 2022 when the Fed began raising rates.
  • Farmer groups are opposing Argentina’s move toward increasing export taxes on corn, wheat, and other ag goods, from the current 12% to 15% under the new president’s leadership. Argentina has also re-opened their grain export registry after a brief pause.
  • The El Nino weather pattern is expected to intensify to one of the top levels on record. If these predictions are true, it would make this El Nino pattern one of the strongest historically since 1950. This pattern could mean a colder winter for the southern US, but milder conditions in northern regions, and far reaching impact globally. The US Climate Prediction Center is estimating a 75% chance that the pattern will persist into May.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Between late July and the end of November, front month Chicago wheat trended lower, driven mostly by weak US demand and lower world wheat prices. During that time, and as managed funds established most of their short position of nearly 120,000 contracts, the market became extremely oversold. Since then, as the market rallied to a high of 649 ½, China made several US SRW wheat purchases, and funds covered more than 23,000 short contracts. During that runup, Grain Market Insider recommended making an additional sale to take advantage of the elevated prices in case the rally was temporary since US wheat prices remain elevated relative to other world exporters, despite the increase in demand. If the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After rallying to 649 ½, Chicago wheat became overbought and turned lower after the December 8 USDA report. Since then, the market has found nearby support near 600. Nearby resistance remains overhead near 650, with additional resistance between 660 and 665. If the market breaks nearby support, it may test the 50-day moving average, and then support near 556.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Following bearish reversals on December 6th and December 8th, the market has shown that there is significant overhead resistance above 680. The market is also showing signs of being oversold following the recent runup, which adds upward resistance and could add pressure if the market continues lower. Below the market, initial support comes in near 630, with further support remaining around 595 and 575. 

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. Since then, the market posted a bearish reversal on December 6, showing significant resistance in the 750 area. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, nearby support could be found around 718, with further support near the recent low of 697 ½.

Other Charts / Weather

Above: Brazil 2-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

Above: Argentina 2-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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12-14 End of Day: Soybeans and Wheat Higher on Falling US Dollar Index

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Corn closed fractionally lower on the day in the front month March contract, while the deferred contracts held onto fractional gains. Corn experienced light volume and low volatility today typical of “holiday trade”.
  • Soybeans ended higher on the day with support from a falling US dollar, as well as yet another daily flash sale reported to unknown destinations.
  • All three wheat classes closed higher today. Last week’s net export sales for wheat were the largest for a single week since September of 2007, reflecting China’s recent US wheat purchases.
  • To see the updated US Drought Monitor, as well as the Brazil 1 week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of December’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus old crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a sideways to lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • The corn market faded from early session strength to finish mixed on the session. December corn futures expired during the session and settled on final trades at $4.56 ¾. March corn was ¼ cent lower on the day in a market that saw noticeable bear spreading.
  • As December expires, March is currently holding a 23 ¾ cent carry to the final December price. This could keep pressure on the March contract as demand concerns and a large current supply of corn will limit the front end of the corn market.
  • The USDA reported weekly export sales for corn at 1.418 MMT (55.8 mb) for last week. Corn sales commitments now total 1.069 bb in 2023-24 and are up 36% from a year ago. Pace is ahead of current USDA projections, but the market will need to see consistent export sales totals.
  • Ethanol margins should see some price support with a boost in energy prices on the session. Both crude oil and gasoline prices treaded firmly higher on the session, and that helped support the corn market.
  • South American weather will stay a focus to the market. The next 7 days show a more moderate precipitation, but above average temperature forecast. Longer extended forecasts are more favorable for crop growth, but those forecasts will need to materialize. The South America weather concerns will likely be a longer-term corn story as Brazil looks towards soybean harvest and corn planting in the weeks ahead.

Above: Since the lead month rolled to the March contract, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees a continued opportunity to sell a portion of your old crop 2023 soybean production. Since last summer, the soybean market has been mostly rangebound between 1435 on the topside and 1251 on the bottom. Within this range, the 1330 area has been a strong pivot point. When over 1330, the front month has been able to challenge the 1400 area, but below 1330 the front month has challenged the 1250 area. Following last Friday’s USDA update, the market has attempted to rally above 1330, but so far that rally has been rejected. This rejection poses the risk that the front month could challenge the 1250 area again. Also, given the projected record large global carryout of soybeans, Grain Market Insider wants to take advantage of the historical value of 1300+ soybean prices.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day higher after two consecutively lower closes and remained above the 200-day moving average. Today’s support was largely due to a sharp decline in the US dollar as well as a strong weekly Export Sales report and a daily flash sale reported.
  • For the week ending December 7, the USDA reported an increase of 39.8 mb of soybean export sales for the 23/24 marketing year. While strong, this was 23% below the previous week and 46% from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments were above the 27.7 mb needed each week at 42.6 mb and primary destinations were to China, Germany, and Mexico.
  • This morning, private exporters reported a large flash sale of 400,000 mt of soybeans for delivery to unknown destinations for the 23/24 marketing year. US soybeans are competitive with Brazilian offers, but that export window will likely close soon as the bulk of South America’s bean harvest approaches in a few months.
  • While Brazilian weather is expected to remain hot and dry over the next 5 days, the longer-term weather forecast is better, and most analysts are projecting total production between 155 and 160 mmt. Argentinian production is estimated around 48 mmt.

Above: Since retreating from the November highs, soybeans traded through 1297, but held support around 1292. If prices retreat lower through 1292, they could test support near 1250. Up above, psychological resistance may enter in near 1350, with heavy resistance up near recent highs around 1400.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • All three US wheat classes closed with modest gains today, rebuffing the weakness yesterday. The 100-day moving average for March Chicago wheat is at 6.24, and with that contract trading below that level, it might now act as an area of resistance. Going forward, more friendly news may be needed to push back above that moving average.
  • The USDA reported an increase of 54.8 mb of wheat export sales for 23/24 and an increase of 0.7 mb for 24/25. This is reflective of the recent Chinese purchases. On the negative side, with the USDA estimating exports of 725 mb, last week’s shipments at 10.6 mb were below the 16.4 mb pace per week needed to meet their goal.
  • Following the Federal Reserve’s announcement yesterday afternoon, the US Dollar Index was under pressure again today with another sharp drop. As of this writing, it is just below the 102 level, when it was over 104 just a few short sessions ago. This decline should provide some support to the export market and may have given wheat futures a boost today.
  • According to the Rosario Grain Exchange, Argentina’s wheat harvest is reported to be 57% complete. Additionally, their wheat crop estimate is now 7.4% higher at 14.5 mmt vs 13.5 mmt previously. The reason, as stated by the exchange, is due to cooler temperatures and better rains that helped the plants when they were filling.
  • In contrast to Argentina, the Brazilian 23/24 wheat crop is now seen lower on estimates by StoneX, at 8.59 mmt, vs 9.28 mmt previously. Furthermore, the yield is expected to drop 28.4% from the previous harvest. This may also result in Brazil wheat imports increasing down the road.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Between late July and the end of November, front month Chicago wheat trended lower, driven mostly by weak US demand and lower world wheat prices. During that time, and as managed funds established most of their short position of nearly 120,000 contracts, the market became extremely oversold. Since then, as the market rallied to a high of 649 ½, China made several US SRW wheat purchases, and funds covered more than 23,000 short contracts. During that runup, Grain Market Insider recommended making an additional sale to take advantage of the elevated prices in case the rally was temporary since US wheat prices remain elevated relative to other world exporters, despite the increase in demand. If the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After rallying to 649 ½ on short covering activity largely, from being oversold, Chicago wheat became overbought and began to turn lower following the December 8 USDA update. Overhead resistance comes in near 650, and again between 660 and 665. The overbought status of the market may encourage additional selling and a test of the 50-day moving average near 580, with further support near 556.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Following bearish reversals on December 6th and December 8th, the market has shown that there is significant overhead resistance above 680. The market is also showing signs of being oversold following the recent runup, which adds upward resistance and could add pressure if the market continues lower. Below the market, initial support comes in near 630, with further support remaining around 595 and 575. 

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. Since then, the market posted a bearish reversal on December 6, showing significant resistance in the 750 area. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, nearby support could be found around 718, with further support near the recent low of 697 ½.

Other Charts / Weather

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12-13 End of Day: Argentine Currency Devaluation Pressures Grains Lower

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Argentina is moving to devalue its currency, which weighed heavily on the soybean complex. The move would likely increase Argentine farmer selling and exports, adding competition to US exports. Soybean meal also continues to see pressure (adding resistance to soybeans) from the improved Argentine weather outlook and crop prospects, which could likely return the country to the world’s top soy product exporter status.  
  • The devaluation of Argentina’s currency, the world’s 3rd largest corn exporter, also weighed on the corn market, despite strong ethanol production numbers that came in above expectations and well ahead of the pace needed to reach the USDA’s corn usage estimate.
  • There are thoughts that the policy changes in Argentina could increase the country’s wheat crop by as much as 60%, and this could have added downward pressure to the wheat markets. While Chicago made new lows for the move, KC and Minneapolis also gave up most, if not all, of yesterday’s gains on the reversal lower.
  • To see the updated US 5-day precipitation forecast, 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and Brazil’s and Argentina’s 7-day total accumulated precipitation maps, courtesy of the National Weather Service, NOAA, and Climate Prediction Center, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of December’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus old crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a sideways to lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn futures and the grain markets traded lower on Wednesday. March corn lost 5 ¾ cents on the session as grain markets saw broad based selling pressure.
  • Argentina devalued their currency, the peso, versus the dollar to stabilize Argentina’s economy. The drop in the peso value makes Argentina’s ag exports more competitive on the world export market, which pressured the ag commodity markets on Wednesday. 
  • Ethanol production fell to 1,074,000 barrels/day, down slightly from last week, but up 1.2% from last year. Production was above expectations and the 2nd highest of the marketing year. There was 108 mil. bu. of corn used in the production process. Ethanol margins are likely to tighten as pressure in the crude oil market could be starting to tighten those margins.
  • The USDA will release weekly export sales on Thursday morning. Corn sales have improved, which is needed by the market given the supply. Expectations for new sales to range from 800,000 – 1,600,000 mt last week.
  • South American weather stays a focus. The next 7 days show a drier forecast with a strong heat wave returning. Longer extended forecasts are more favorable for crop growth if those forecasts materialize.

Above: Since the lead month rolled to the March contract, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees a continued opportunity to sell a portion of your old crop 2023 soybean production. Since last summer, the soybean market has been mostly rangebound between 1435 on the topside and 1251 on the bottom. Within this range, the 1330 area has been a strong pivot point. When over 1330, the front month has been able to challenge the 1400 area, but below 1330 the front month has challenged the 1250 area. Following last Friday’s USDA update, the market has attempted to rally above 1330, but so far that rally has been rejected. This rejection poses the risk that the front month could challenge the 1250 area again. Also, given the projected record large global carryout of soybeans, Grain Market Insider wants to take advantage of the historical value of 1300+ soybean prices.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day lower again with prices now back below all major moving averages on a nearby, front month chart. The forecast for more favorable Brazilian weather a week from now, along with anticipation of increased Argentine selling pressured the soy complex lower today.
  • Newly inaugurated Argentinian president, Javier Milei, has been preparing to get inflation in check with policy changes to grain export taxes. So far, they temporarily suspended export licenses and devalued the Argentinian peso by half. Milei is also expected to make adjustments to export taxes on grain, which could further incentivize selling.
  • This morning, the USDA reported private exporter sales of 125,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to unknown destinations during the 2024/2025 marketing year. This is the fifth consecutive sale since last Thursday by either China or unknown destinations.
  • Brazilian weather is set to remain hot and dry over the next 5 days, but rain is forecast to return on December 19 and is expected to last well into January. Southern Brazil is still too wet and is expected to receive more rain over the next 7 days before drying out slightly into the new year.

Above: Since retreating from the November highs, soybeans traded through 1297, but held support around 1292. If prices retreat lower through 1292, they could test support near 1250. Up above, psychological resistance may enter in near 1350, with heavy resistance up near recent highs around 1400.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Kansas City futures led the wheat complex lower today, but all three classes had sharp losses. The big news weighing on the grain markets relates to Argentina’s new president and his economic policy. In addition to currency devaluation and possible export tax adjustments, there is also talk that Argentina will expand wheat production under his leadership. Some estimates see production increase as much as 60% to 25 mmt next growing season, due to deregulation that encourages more output.
  • This afternoon, the Fed announced that they will be keeping interest rates unchanged for the third time in a row. After the announcement, the US Dollar Index dropped significantly, and this may provide some support to wheat tomorrow, as the two tend to share an inverse relationship.
  • According to Argus, Ukrainian wheat production in 2024 will fall to 20.2 mmt, a 12-year low, and representing a 9% decline. Smaller plantings are said to be the cause of the decline, which would be the lowest since 12/13. 
  • Adding to bearishness today was an estimate from FAO-AMIS, which raised world wheat stockpiles for the 23/24 season from 315.1 mmt to 319.3 mt. The production estimates for Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia were increased. Additionally, corn and rice stockpile estimates were also increased.
  • From a technical perspective, March Chicago wheat did hold just above the six-dollar level today, with a low of 6.02-1/2. The 21, 40, and 50-day moving averages all converge around this level, making six dollars an important area of support. A break below this level would make the market look more technically weak.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Between late July and the end of November, front month Chicago wheat trended lower, driven mostly by weak US demand and lower world wheat prices. During that time, and as managed funds established most of their short position of nearly 120,000 contracts, the market became extremely oversold. Since then, as the market rallied to a high of 649 ½, China made several US SRW wheat purchases, and funds covered more than 23,000 short contracts. During that runup, Grain Market Insider recommended making an additional sale to take advantage of the elevated prices in case the rally was temporary since US wheat prices remain elevated relative to other world exporters, despite the increase in demand. If the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After rallying to 649 ½ on short covering activity largely, from being oversold, Chicago wheat became overbought and began to turn lower following the December 8 USDA update. Overhead resistance comes in near 650, and again between 660 and 665. The overbought status of the market may encourage additional selling and a test of the 50-day moving average near 580, with further support near 556.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Following bearish reversals on December 6th and December 8th, the market has shown that there is significant overhead resistance above 680. The market is also showing signs of being oversold following the recent runup, which adds upward resistance and could add pressure if the market continues lower. Below the market, initial support comes in near 630, with further support remaining around 595 and 575. 

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. Since then, the market posted a bearish reversal on December 6, showing significant resistance in the 750 area. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, nearby support could be found around 718, with further support near the recent low of 697 ½.

Other Charts / Weather

Above: US 5-day precipitation forecast courtesy of NOAA, Weather Prediction Center.

Above: Brazil 7-day total accumulated precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

Above: Argentina 7-day total accumulated precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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12-12 End of Day: Textbook Turnaround Tuesday, Corn and Wheat Reverse Higher, Soybeans Lower

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Support from significantly higher wheat carried over to the corn futures, which settled mid-range and in the green. Upside strength was limited though, by losses in crude oil and neighboring soybeans.
  • Argentina’s new president Milei temporarily suspended its grain export register on Monday. The move comes just before announcements regarding new economic measures, some of which may increase farmer selling and exports. The news may have added pressure to January soybeans which rejected trade near 1350 and above the 100-day moving average.
  • Both soybean meal and oil settled near the lower end of their respective ranges, with meal losing ground in sympathy with soybeans and improved Argentine crop prospects, while pressure from sharply lower crude oil weighed on soybean oil.
  • To stabilize its domestic prices, Russia has banned the export of Durum wheat until May 31st, effective immediately. This may have lent some support to the wheat market, which experienced an impressive turnaround from yesterday’s sharp losses in all three classes.
  • To see the updated US 5-day precipitation forecast, 6 – 10 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and South America’s GRACE-Based Drought Indicator, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center, and the NDMC with the University of Nebraska, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of December’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus old crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a sideways to lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn futures used strength in the wheat market to close with small gains on the session. March corn traded 3 ¾ cents higher, holding around the active 485 trading price in range bound activity.
  • Corn futures were limited by selling strength in soybean markets and the crude oil markets. Crude oil traded 3-4% lower on the session. Lower crude brings concern about margin for the ethanol industry, a key domestic demand for corn.
  • South American weather stays a focus. The next 7 days show a drier forecast with a strong heat wave returning. Longer extended forecasts are more favorable for crop growth if those forecasts materialize.
  • China’s grain output rose 1.3% year on year to a record high of 695.41 mmt in 2023. This data was provided by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday. The record corn production may limit some US corn exports.
  • The cash market may act independently of the futures market while prices trade in a range bound fashion. The fluctuation in basis in different regions will likely provide limited marketing opportunities based on overall available supplies.

Above: Since the lead month rolled to the March contract, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees a continued opportunity to sell a portion of your old crop 2023 soybean production. Since last summer, the soybean market has been mostly rangebound between 1435 on the topside and 1251 on the bottom. Within this range, the 1330 area has been a strong pivot point. When over 1330, the front month has been able to challenge the 1400 area, but below 1330 the front month has challenged the 1250 area. Following last Friday’s USDA update, the market has attempted to rally above 1330, but so far that rally has been rejected. This rejection poses the risk that the front month could challenge the 1250 area again. Also, given the projected record large global carryout of soybeans, Grain Market Insider wants to take advantage of the historical value of 1300+ soybean prices.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day lower closing just above the 50-day moving average. A short span of upcoming hot and dry weather in central and northern Brazil added some weather premium back into the market causing yesterday’s rally. Both soybean meal and oil ended the day lower.
  • March soybeans have gained just over 32 cents from their low last week due to news that the 7-day forecast for Brazil would be hot and dry. Heavier rains are forecast to fall beginning December 19 and are expected to last into January, so crop stress should be limited.
  • This morning, the USDA reported private exporter sales of 198,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to unknown destinations for the 23/24 marketing year. So far, there have been sales reported every day, from last Thursday through today, primarily by China or unknown.
  • Crude oil fell to its lowest level since June today which pressured soybean oil, but on the other hand, stockpiles of Malaysian palm oil shrunk last month which could offer support. In addition, the NOPA crush report will be released on Friday and trade is looking for another record large month at 191 mb crushed.

Above: Since retreating from the November highs, soybeans traded through 1297, but held support around 1292. If prices retreat lower through 1292, they could test support near 1250. Up above, psychological resistance may enter in near 1350, with heavy resistance up near recent highs around 1400.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • All three US wheat classes reversed from yesterday’s lower closes to finish with double-digit gains today. This rally may have been in part sparked by the Russian government’s ban on durum wheat exports. The ban is in effect until May 31, and is reported to have been put in place to help their domestic prices.
  • Also giving a boost today was a higher close for Paris milling wheat futures, and a drop in the US Dollar Index. However, on a bearish note, with the recent upturn in wheat prices, the US has quickly become uncompetitive on the world export market, and this may mean that there will not be any more Chinese purchases to help support the market.
  • Kansas released updated crop conditions for their state yesterday. Wheat condition declined 1%, to 39% good to excellent. Additionally, poor to very poor declined 1% while fair increased 2%. Conditions look much better than at the same time last year. 
  • According to their agriculture ministry, French soft wheat planting for 2024 is down 5.1% year on year with 4.5 million hectares planted and represents a 4.7% decline from the five-year average. The cause of the decline is being blamed on heavy rains.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees an active opportunity to sell a portion of your 2023 Soft Red Winter wheat crop. Since the end of July, the wheat market has been in a downtrend due to low world wheat prices generating weak US export demand, with no significant rallies to take advantage of. This current rally has now taken prices in excess of 80 cents from the November low and coincides with a 38% retracement back toward last July’s highs, and the 612 to 646 congestion area from last September. Considering this bounce in the market may be temporary, Grain Market Insider recommends taking advantage of this rally, and these still historically good prices, to make an additional sale on your 2023 crop.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After rallying to 649 ½ on short covering activity largely, from being oversold, Chicago wheat became overbought and began to turn lower following the December 8 USDA update. Overhead resistance comes in near 650, and again between 660 and 665. The overbought status of the market may encourage additional selling and a test of the 50-day moving average near 580, with further support near 556.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Following bearish reversals on December 6th and December 8th, the market has shown that there is significant overhead resistance above 680. The market is also showing signs of being oversold following the recent runup, which adds upward resistance and could add pressure if the market continues lower. Below the market, initial support comes in near 630, with further support remaining around 595 and 575. 

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. Since then, the market posted a bearish reversal on December 6, showing significant resistance in the 750 area. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, nearby support could be found around 718, with further support near the recent low of 697 ½.

Other Charts / Weather

Above: US 5-day precipitation forecast courtesy of NOAA, Weather Prediction Center.

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12-11 End of Day: Follow Through Weakness Leads Wheat and Corn Lower, Despite Sharply Higher Soybeans

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Carryover weakness from the wheat market, weak export inspections, and a looming 2.1 billion bushel carryout all weighed on the corn market which closed back below the 50-day moving average on the nearby continuous chart.
  • Another large private sale to unknown destinations and renewed South American weather concerns lent support to the soybean market which gapped higher on Sunday night’s open and closed near the top of its 31 ½ cent range.
  • Soybean meal and oil both closed very strong alongside soybeans with 8.5 and 0.91 gains respectively. Soybean meal is currently showing signs of being very oversold, much like soybeans, which is likely adding support to the market.
  • Weak export inspections may have added fuel to the fire as traders sold all three wheat classes on follow through technical weakness after showing signs of being overbought from the recent rally.
  • To see the updated US 8 – 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and South America’s 2-week forecast precipitation maps, courtesy of the National Weather Service, and Climate Prediction Center, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of December’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus old crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a sideways to lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Aggressive selling in the wheat market dragged the corn market lower on the session. The March corn contract closed 4 cents lower, and below the 10-day moving average, which could bring additional selling pressure into the overnight session.
  • Despite the small increase in export demand in Friday’s WASDE report, corn ending stocks are still heavy in the market’s mind at 2.135 billion bushels. A stocks-to-use ratio of 14.7% is the largest in 5-years and projects to potentially lower corn prices to trigger additional demand.
  • With the recent prices rally, the funds decreased their net short position in the corn market by 45,000 contracts to –160,533 net short contracts. The price move was disappointing, only being 20-25 cents for that short liquidation. The decreased short position opens the door for additional selling pressure in the corn market in the short term.
  • Soybeans rallied aggressively to start the week, but that spill over support was ignored by the corn market. The Brazil weather forecast turned warmer and drier on afternoon models, and that triggered buying in the soybean market to start the week.
  • After a strong week last week, weekly export inspections for corn were disappointing at 712,000 MT (28 mb) at the low end of expectations. Total inspections in 2023-24 are now at 361 mb, up 28% from the previous year. The USDA is estimating corn exports at 2.100 bb in 2023-24, up 26% from the previous year.

Above: Since the lead month rolled to the March contract, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Above: Corn Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, December 5. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Managers net bought 45,945 contracts between November 29 – December 5, bringing their total position to a net short 160,533 contracts.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees a continued opportunity to sell a portion of your old crop 2023 soybean production. Since last summer, the soybean market has been mostly rangebound between 1435 on the topside and 1251 on the bottom. Within this range, the 1330 area has been a strong pivot point. Getting over 1330 the front month has been able to challenge the 1400 area, but below 1330 the front month has challenged the 1250 area. Today, the January contract attempted to get back over 1330, with an intraday high of 1330 ¾, but was rejected. This rejection poses the risk that the front month could challenge the 1250 area again. Also, given the projected record large global carryout of soybeans, Grain Market Insider wants to take advantage of the historical value of 1300+ soybean prices.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day sharply higher with support from higher soybean meal and oil, along with another export sale reported to China. South American weather was supportive as well today with heat and dryness forecast this week before rains are expected to fall later in the week.
  • Export inspections were a little soft today with the USDA reporting inspections at 36.2 mb for the week ending Thursday, December 7. Total inspections for 23/24 are now at 725 mb, which is down 16% from the previous year. The USDA is estimating total soybean exports at 1.755 bb for 23/24 which would be down 12% from the previous year.
  • Another flash sale was reported this morning by the USDA totaling 132,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to unknown destinations during the 23/24 marketing year. This follows up on two sales from last Thursday and Friday which were 121,000 metric tons and 136,000 metric tons to unknown and China.
  • Traders were likely expecting more bullish numbers in Friday’s WASDE report, so the lack of any big changes caused some selling. Ending stocks were unchanged at 245 mb, but Brazilian production was lowered to 161 mmt from 163 mmt.

Above: Since retreating from the November highs, soybeans traded through 1297, but held support around 1292. If prices retreat lower through 1292, they could test support near 1250. Up above, psychological resistance may enter in near 1350, with heavy resistance up near recent highs around 1400.

Above: Soybean Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, December 5. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net sold 30,929 contracts between November 2 – December 5, bringing their total position to a net long 36,633 contracts.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • All three US wheat futures classes posted double-digit losses today. The weakness may have stemmed partly from a technically overbought situation. On daily stochastics, each of the three March wheats show a sell crossover signal, with momentum turning downward. In addition to the technical weakness, funds may be adding back to short positions after last Friday’s USDA report did not offer friendly news to feed the bull.  
  • Wheat inspections of 10.4 mb bring the 23/24 total inspections to 316 mb. That is down 23% from last year and is behind the pace needed to meet the USDA’s goal of 725 mb from Friday’s updated WASDE report.
  • Forecasted rains in the US southern Plains for the middle of this week are expected to limit upside potential for the wheat market, with areas of Texas and Kansas expected to receive widespread coverage. As of the last Crop Progress report, winter wheat conditions are much more favorable compared to last year.
  • There is talk that China may be interested in purchasing more US wheat, but with Russia still offering wheat for sale at cheap prices, more friendly news may be needed to rally the market. Unfortunately, there are concerns that demand from north African and Middle Eastern nations may be down from normal and last year.
  • Ukraine’s farm ministry has stated that the country reached a record grain yield, and they increased the 2023 harvest estimate to 59.7 mmt. Of that total, wheat harvest is expected to account for 22.2 mmt.  
  • This week, traders will receive the next statement from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates. Current expectations are that they may keep rates steady, but last week’s jobs data offered signs of labor market strength. This may mean that they will stick with their “higher rates for longer” stance, which may in turn affect commodity markets like wheat.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. Between late July and the end of November, front month Chicago wheat trended lower, driven mostly by weak US demand and lower world wheat prices. During that time, and as managed funds established most of their short position of nearly 120,000 contracts, the market became extremely oversold. Since then, as the market rallied to a high of 649 ½, China made several US SRW wheat purchases, and funds covered more than 23,000 short contracts. During that runup, Grain Market Insider recommended making an additional sale to take advantage of the elevated prices in case the rally was temporary since US wheat prices remain elevated relative to other world exporters, despite the increase in demand.  If the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: After rallying to 649 ½ on short covering activity largely, from being oversold, Chicago wheat became overbought and began to turn lower following the December 8 USDA update. Overhead resistance comes in near 650, and again between 660 and 665. The overbought status of the market may encourage additional selling and a test of the 50-day moving average near 580, with further support near 556.

Above: Chicago Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, December 5. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net bought 23,764 contracts between November 29 – December 5, bringing their total position to a net short 96,222 contracts.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Minneapolis wheat continues to appear rangebound between about 750 on the topside and 700 on the bottom. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. Otherwise, if prices break out of the bottom end of the range, support may come in near the late May ’21 low near 669. 

Above: KC Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, December 5. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net bought 10,891 contracts between November 29 – December 5, bringing their total position to a net short 38,858 contracts.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. Since then, the market posted a bearish reversal on December 6, showing significant resistance in the 750 area. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, nearby support could be found around 718, with further support near the recent low of 697 ½.

Above: Minneapolis Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, December 5. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net bought 2,026 contracts between November 29 – December 5, bringing their total position to a net short 26,891 contracts.

Other Charts / Weather

Above: Brazil 2-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

Above: Argentina 2-week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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12-08 End of Day: Fresh Chinese Purchases Fail to Support as Markets Fade Following USDA Report

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Following quiet overnight trade that was higher, the corn market faded lower into the close following the release of today’s USDA WASDE update that showed only a minor 25 mb reduction to 23/24 ending stocks by raising export demand by the same amount.
  • Markets sold off, giving up earlier gains as the USDA left the soybean complex’s supply/demand numbers unchanged across all three commodities, and increased global stocks above expectations by 1.5 mmt in today’s update.
  • Despite the report of another Chinese purchase of SRW and the USDA’s reduction of wheat ending stocks by 25 mb, the wheat complex sold off as world wheat production was raised by 1 mmt and traders took profits from the recent rally.
  • US employment data that was released this morning came in better than expected. The unemployment rate came in at 3.7% versus 3.9% expected and rallied the US dollar, possibly adding some resistance to grain markets.  
  • To see the updated US 8 – 14 da temperature and precipitation outlooks, and South America’s 1 week total accumulated precipitation, the National Weather Service, and Climate Prediction Center, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.
  • CORN ACTION PLAN SUMMARY (approximately 3 bullet points)

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of December’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus old crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a sideways to lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn prices faded from the highs after the USDA report. Additional purchases by China of wheat and soybeans, and a corn sale to “Unknown destinations” helped support the market early in the session, but prices faded after the USDA report’s release. March corn lost 2 ¼ cents on the day, but finished ¾ cents higher on the week.
  • The USDA raised export projections by 25 mb to 2.100 billion bushels for the marketing year in the USDA WASDE report on Friday morning. The USDA cited recent strength in export demand as the rationale. This lowered projected carryout to 2.131 billion bushels for ending stock for the 23/24 marketing year, below analyst expectations.
  • The slip in prices moved March futures back to the key support level of 485. March futures have traded around this price point the past six sessions and have consistently been in this area since the start of November. 
  • The USDA announced a private exporter sale of corn to Unknown Destination for 6.5 mb for the 23/24 marketing year this morning. The export sales help support overnight and morning corn prices.
  • In the WASDE report, USDA left Brazil and Argentina corn production unchanged from their November projections, taking a “wait and see” approach to the corn crops. On Thursday, CONAB estimated Brazil’s total corn crop for 23/24 at 118.53 mmt, down from previous estimates of 119.02 mmt. The USDA is forecasting a crop of 129 mmt.

Above: Since the lead month rolled to the March contract, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider recommends selling a portion of your old crop 2023 soybean production. Since last summer, the soybean market has been mostly rangebound between 1435 on the topside and 1251 on the bottom. Within this range, the 1330 area has been a strong pivot point. Getting over 1330 the front month has been able to challenge the 1400 area, but below 1330 the front month has challenged the 1250 area. Today, the January contract attempted to get back over 1330, with an intraday high of 1330 ¾, but was rejected. This rejection poses the risk that the front month could challenge the 1250 area again. Also, given the projected record large global carryout of soybeans, Grain Market Insider wants to take advantage of the historical value of 1300+ soybean prices.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day lower following today’s lackluster WASDE report, which saw very few changes from last month’s report. Both soybean meal and oil ended the day lower as well, with larger losses in soybean oil.
  • For the week, January soybeans lost 21 cents, January soybean meal lost 8.0 dollars, and January soybean oil lost 1.25 cents. This comes as non-commercials have been exiting a portion of their net long positions with improvements in South American weather.
  • In today’s USDA report, US ending stocks were unchanged at 245 mb, which was mostly in line with expectations. World ending stocks were reduced slightly, Argentinian soybean production was unchanged at 48.0 mmt, and Brazilian soybean production was reduced to 161.0 mmt from 163.0 mmt.
  • This morning, the USDA reported a private exporter sale of 136,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to China during the 23/24 marketing year.

Above: Since retreating from the November highs, soybeans have traded back through the 50-day moving average and 1297 support. Currently, the trend is lower, but the market shows signs of being oversold, which can be supportive if prices turn back higher. For now, support below the market remains near 1250, with nearby resistance near the 50-day moving average, around 1320, and again near 1352.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Wheat closed lower in all three US classes today after a relatively neutral WASDE report. The US 23/24 wheat ending stocks number was lowered to 658 mb, versus 684 mb last month. The world carryout came in at 258.2 mmt, compared to 258.7 in November.
  • US wheat exports were raised 25 mb from last month’s estimate, now at 725 mb for 23/24. The negativity at the close may be a reflection of a higher world production number though, at 783.01 mmt versus 781.98 mmt last month. With the recent run higher, profit taking was also a likely culprit.
  • Aside from today’s USDA report, there was also another announced sale of US wheat to China for the 23/24 marketing year, this time for 110,000 mt. Despite a lower close today, if these purchases continue, it will lend support to the market. On the other hand, rain forecasted for the US southern Plains next week may keep upside potential limited for now.
  • Egypt’s most recent wheat tender for 420,000 mt was fulfilled by Russia at $260 per mt FOB. France’s offer at $268 was the next cheapest, with Romania following them. Given the competition, it is a bit surprising, albeit welcome, that China is purchasing US wheat.
  • Today’s Jobs report indicated that the US added 199,000 jobs, and unemployment has fallen to 3.7%. This has the US Dollar Index higher, which may also have contributed to the negative close in wheat. Additionally, this may mean that the Federal Reserve sticks with their plan to have higher interest rates for longer; this may continue to affect commodity prices down the road.
  • From a global perspective, as of the July 1, the beginning of their marketing year, Ukraine’s total grain harvest has reached 57.6 mmt. Of that total, 22.5 mmt is wheat, which is said to be up 16% year on year. Over in France, winter wheat planting is 89% complete as of December 4. Typically, they are done by the end of November, but significant rain delays were present this year. Additionally, 77% of the French crop is reported to be in good to excellent condition.  

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees an active opportunity to sell a portion of your 2023 Soft Red Winter wheat crop. Since the end of July, the wheat market has been in a downtrend due to low world wheat prices generating weak US export demand, with no significant rallies to take advantage of. This current rally has now taken prices in excess of 80 cents from the November low and coincides with a 38% retracement back toward last July’s highs, and the 612 to 646 congestion area from last September. Considering this bounce in the market may be temporary, Grain Market Insider recommends taking advantage of this rally, and these still historically good prices, to make an additional sale on your 2023 crop.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Short covering and a seasonal build up of weather premium has driven Chicago wheat through the late August highs and may be on track to test the next level of resistance between 660 and 665 left in early August. The market shows signs of being overbought and could retreat. If it does, support may come in around 605 – 600, and again near the 50-day moving average near 575.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Since the end of November, the wheat market has rallied largely on short covering activity from being extremely oversold. The market is now showing signs of being overbought and has posted a bearish reversal, though it’s close above the 50-day moving average suggests that there could still be more strength in the market. If not, and prices retreat below the 50-day moving average, support below the market may come in between 595 and 575.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. Since then, the market posted a bearish reversal on December 6, showing significant resistance in the 750 area. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, nearby support could be found around 718, with further support near the recent low of 697 ½.

Other Charts / Weather

Brazil 7 day total accumulated precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

Argentina 7 day total accumulated precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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12-07 End of Day: Grain Markets Finish Strong Ahead of Friday’s USDA Report

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Export sales that were at the upper end of expectations, lower Brazilian crop estimates, and outside support from neighboring wheat and soybeans supported corn prices to finish in the green, following choppy two sided trade early in the session.
  • A large private export sale totaling 136,000 mt of soybeans to China for this marketing year, along with rumors of China purchasing 3-4 additional cargoes, helped spark a rally in soybeans ahead of tomorrow’s December USDA WASE update. Possible short covering from the recent decline and strong soybean oil also lent support to erase yesterday’s losses, and close in an outside reversal higher.
  • In a surprise move, soybean oil rallied nearly 2.00 cents (almost 4%) ahead of the December, erasing almost two days of losses from possible fund short covering, as private estimates lower the Argentine soy outlook (typically the world’s largest soy product exporter). The move in soybean oil lent a large amount of support to soybeans. Meanwhile, soybean meal closed in the red, but well off the day’s lows.
  • March Chicago wheat closed higher for the eighth day in a row, with KC and Minneapolis both showing surprising comebacks from yesterday’s weakness. Recent Chinese SRW purchases, along with further possible short covering from the large fund short position ahead of tomorrow’s USDA update, lent support.
  • With little news to report on, the US dollar traded sharply lower throughout the day, in a show of its overall weakness, and erased the last two day’s gains as of this writing. The break in the dollar may have lent additional support to the commodity markets.
  • To see the updated US Drought Monitor with the weekly classification change map, and South America’s 2 week precipitation forecast as a percentage of normal, courtesy of the NDMC, the National Weather Service, and Climate Prediction Center, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.
  • CORN ACTION PLAN SUMMARY (approximately 3 bullet points)

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of November’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn futures followed the strength in other grains to push higher into the close at the end of the session on Thursday. March corn added 3 ¾ cents on the trading session.
  • The USDA released weekly export sales on Thursday morning. The USDA reported an increase of 1.289 mmt (50.7 mb) of corn export sales for last week. Corn sales commitments now total 1.014 bb for 23/24 and are up 35% from a year ago.
  • The US corn export program is beginning to ramp up as the calendar moves closer to the new year.  Currently, US corn has an advantage in price over competing supplies out of Brazil and Argentina until the March time window.
  • CONAB estimated Brazil’s total corn crop for 23/24 at 118.53 mmt down from previous estimates of 119.02 MMT. If realized, corn production would be down 13.42 mmt versus last year, or a drop of approximately 11%. CONAB cited the biggest reason for the lower production was due to reduced planted areas.
  • The USDA will release the next WASDE report on Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. CST. Expectations are for slight reductions in US corn ending stocks due to small demand adjustments from 2.156 billion bushels to 2.152 billion bushels. The market may be more focused on adjustments to the Brazilian corn and soybean production due to the difficult weather from early in the growing season.

Above: Since the lead month rolled to the March contract, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Since August, the 2023 soybean market has traded mostly between 1250 and 1400. After trading to 1251 last October, the Jan ’24 contract went on to test the Nov ’23 contract’s August high near 1400, but failed to break through the heavy resistance and has since retreated. Last summer, Grain Market Insider made two sales recommendations in the 1310 – 1360 price window versus Nov ’23, and while seasonally, we are at the time of year when prices tend to rally into the end of the year, due to the considerable overhead resistance in the market, Grain Market Insider may consider making additional old crop sales prior to year’s end.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans ended the day higher with the March contract closing above the 200-day moving average, following a day of good export sales and support from significantly higher soybean oil. Soybean meal was mixed with lower closes in the two front months, but higher in deferred months.
  • For the week ending November 30, the USDA reported an increase of 55.8 mb of soybean export sales for 23/24. This was down 20% from the previous week and 21% from the prior 4-week average. Last week’s export shipments of 49.1 mb were above the 28.2 mb needed each week to achieve the USDA’s export estimates, and primary destinations were to China, Spain, and the Netherlands.
  • Following the good export sales report, the USDA reported private exporter sales of 121,000 metric tons of soybeans for delivery to unknown destinations during the 23/24 marketing year. Exports have picked up in the window that Brazil is planting their soybean crop.
  • Some private analysts have lowered their outlook for the Argentinian soybean production, the world’s largest exporter of soy products, and this may have given soybean oil a boost today.
  • There are few changes expected in tomorrow’s USDA WASDE report. US 23/24 ending stocks are estimated to come in at 242 mb versus November’s reported 245 mb. Whereas South American production may see some more changes. Argentina’s production is expected to come in at 48.2 mmt versus last month’s 48 mmt, and Brazil’s soybean crop is expected to drop to 160.1 mmt versus 163 mmt last month.

Above: Since retreating from the November highs, soybeans have traded back through the 50-day moving average and 1297 support. Currently, the trend is lower, but the market shows signs of being oversold, which can be supportive if prices turn back higher. For now, support below the market remains near 1250, with nearby resistance near the 50-day moving average, around 1320, and again near 1352.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Wheat recovered from yesterday’s losses in all three US futures classes today. In fact, the grain complex as a whole reversed from the previous day with higher closes across the board in corn and soybeans too. March Chicago wheat, which did barely close higher yesterday, has now closed higher for eight sessions in a row.
  • Today, the USDA reported an increase of 13.1 mb for 23/24 wheat export sales, but a reduction of 0.3 mb for 24/25. The recent sales to China may mean that the USDA’s 700 mb export goal could be too low. With some private guesses suggesting it may need to be up to 30 mb higher. This is unlikely to be reflected in tomorrow’s report, but could be changed in the future.
  • Tomorrow’s WASDE report is expected to be relatively neutral for wheat. In fact, the pre-report estimate for US 23/24 wheat carryout is unchanged from last month at 684 mb. As for the world numbers, the average pre-report ending stocks estimate comes in at 258.8 mmt, up just 0.1 mmt from last month’s number.
  • While the carryout numbers are expected to see little change, it is possible that the USDA may make some revisions to global production numbers. Recently, both Canada and Australia increased their wheat production estimates above the last USDA estimates.
  • The national wheat harvest in Argentina is reported to be 37% complete, in line with 38% last year. Estimates of their wheat production range from 13.5 to 14.7 mmt, and the USDA’s last estimate was 15 mmt. Therefore, it is possible there will be a revision lower tomorrow. Some areas of Argentina are seeing poorer yields due to early dryness, but the coastal growing regions received good rain with yields said to more than offset any losses in the dry areas.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider sees an active opportunity to sell a portion of your 2023 Soft Red Winter wheat crop. Since the end of July, the wheat market has been in a downtrend due to low world wheat prices generating weak US export demand, with no significant rallies to take advantage of. This current rally has now taken prices in excess of 80 cents from the November low and coincides with a 38% retracement back toward last July’s highs, and the 612 to 646 congestion area from last September. Considering this bounce in the market may be temporary, Grain Market Insider recommends taking advantage of this rally, and these still historically good prices, to make an additional sale on your 2023 crop.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Short covering and a seasonal build up of weather premium has driven Chicago wheat through the late August highs and may be on track to test the next level of resistance between 660 and 665 left in early August. The market shows signs of being overbought and could retreat. If it does, support may come in around 605 – 600, and again near the 50-day moving average near 575.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Since the end of November, the wheat market has rallied largely on short covering activity from being extremely oversold. The market is now showing signs of being overbought and has posted a bearish reversal, though it’s close above the 50-day moving average suggests that there could still be more strength in the market. If not, and prices retreat below the 50-day moving average, support below the market may come in between 595 and 575.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. Since then, the market posted a bearish reversal on December 6, showing significant resistance in the 750 area. If prices can break through upside resistance, they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, nearby support could be found around 718, with further support near the recent low of 697 ½.

Other Charts / Weather

Brazil 2 week forecast precipitation, percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

Argentina 2 week forecast precipitation, percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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12-06 End of Day: Markets Open Strong but Reverse to Close Mostly Lower

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • The corn market opened strong, but quickly succumbed to weakness from neighboring soybeans and wheat, which led the market lower with additional weakness coming from sharply lower crude oil and more favorable South American weather forecasts.
  • Despite higher trade overnight and another large private soybean sale of 136k mt to China, soybeans could not hold the gains and traded lower from the 8:30 opening bell. Weakness from the product side of the complex weighed on the market, possibly triggering more fund long liquidation.
  • Soybean meal and oil came under pressure from more favorable South American weather forecasts and sharply lower crude and palm oil, closing sharply lower in both markets, and shaving 20 cents off January board crush, erasing this week’s gain.
  • The wheat complex was largely unable to hold early gains made in the overnight session and posted bearish reversals in both KC and Minneapolis. Another large SRW sale to China likely gave Chicago the strength to hold a 2 cent gain into the close, but Black Sea export prices continue to dominate and add resistance to US prices.
  • To see the updated US 7-day precipitation forecast, Brazil’s 2 week precipitation forecast, and the GRACE based drought indicator maps for both US and SA, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center, and nasagrace.unl.edu, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of November’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Strong selling in the commodity space weighed on corn futures, which reversed off session highs.  March corn lost 6 ¼ cents on the session. The weak price action damaged an improving technical picture and could trigger additional long liquidation and selling going into tomorrow’s session.
  • Strong selling in the crude oil market was the driver behind the liquidation of length across the ag commodity markets on Wednesday. Crude oil futures traded over $3.00 lower and under $70.00 a barrel before seeing some price recovery.
  • Farmer selling and hedge pressure likely limited the market’s rally potential. As prices ran into resistance near the 490 – 500 window, they were possibly met by some producer selling.
  • Corn demand has improved in recent weeks. The USDA will release weekly export sales on Thursday morning. Expectations are for last week’s new sales to range from 725,000 – 1,500,000 mt.
  • Ethanol production for last week averaged 1.076 million barrels/day. This was up 6.4% from last week and over the 5-year average. Ethanol stocks were 21.439 million barrels, up slightly from last week.  Total corn used for ethanol production last week was 21.693 mb. This is currently ahead of the USDA projected pace for the marketing year.

Above: Since the lead month rolled to the March contract, the corn market has been rangebound between 470 on the downside and 497 on the upside. Upside resistance appears to be heavy given the bearish reversal that was posted on December 6. That heavy resistance also extends up to the October high of 509 ½, which the market will need more bullish influence to trade through. If the market retreats through nearby 470 support, major support remains near 460.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Since August, the 2023 soybean market has traded mostly between 1250 and 1400. After trading to 1251 last October, the Jan ’24 contract went on to test the Nov ’23 contract’s August high near 1400, but failed to break through the heavy resistance and has since retreated. Last summer, Grain Market Insider made two sales recommendations in the 1310 – 1360 price window versus Nov ’23, and while seasonally, we are at the time of year when prices tend to rally into the end of the year, due to the considerable overhead resistance in the market, Grain Market Insider may consider making additional old crop sales prior to year’s end.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Strong selling in the soy products and crude oil pressured soybean futures lower on the session.  January soybeans lost 10 cents on the day and closed under the key 1300 support level.
  • Edible oil prices struggle as palm oil prices continue to slide. The weakness in the edible oil market pressured soybean oil futures, closing back under 50.00 cents/pound.
  • China stayed active in the US soybean export market, as the USDA announced a sale of 136,000 mt of soybeans for the current marketing year. This sale was likely for February delivery out of the PNW.
  • Weekly export sales for soybeans are expected to range from 1.0 – 1.8 mmt for last week. The USDA will release the weekly export sales report on Thursday morning.
  • Brazilian weather has improved significantly, with rain having fallen in some of the driest areas of the country with more expected. While production will still likely be variable in some regions, the recent rains may have helped stabilize the crop in other areas.

Above: Since retreating from the November highs, soybeans have traded back through the 50-day moving average and 1297 support. Currently, the trend is lower, but the market shows signs of being oversold, which can be supportive if prices turn back higher. For now, support below the market remains near 1250, with nearby resistance near the 50-day moving average, around 1320, and again near 1352.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • March Chicago wheat managed to just barely stay afloat with a gain of 2-1/4 cents for the day, with bull spreading noted, likely spurred by recent Chinese purchases, as the deferred contracts lost ground to the nearby ones. However, all three US wheat classes closed lower overall.
  • Another large private sale of US SRW wheat to China was announced by the USDA, this time for 372,000 mt for delivery during the 23/24 marketing year. Despite this sale, the market appeared to implement a risk off posture today, with lower closes in corn, soybeans, meal, bean oil, and livestock. Additionally, crude oil is sharply lower, which is down almost $3 per barrel as of this writing.
  • On a positive note, March Chicago wheat was able to close just above its 100 day moving average of 632 ¼ for the first time since the end of July. Combined with the recent correction from oversold, this may indicate that there is still enough technical buying in wheat for momentum to continue higher, regardless of an off day today.
  • Egypt purchased 180,000 mt of wheat from Russia and Ukraine on an international tender. This is a reminder that Black Sea wheat exports remain competitive, especially from Russia, and it may take more friendly news to push wheat significantly higher.
  • European Union soft wheat exports, as of Sunday, totaled 12.5 mmt since the season began on July 1. This compares with 15.3 mmt at the same time last year, representing a decline of 18% year on year. For a similar timeframe, Ukrainian grain exports have totaled about 13.7 mmt versus 19 mmt last year. That 13.7 mmt figure includes about 6.1 mmt of wheat this season, versus 7.2 mmt last year.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • Grain Market Insider recommends selling a portion of your 2023 Soft Red Winter wheat crop. Since the end of July, the wheat market has been in a downtrend due to low world wheat prices generating weak US export demand, with no significant rallies to take advantage of. This current rally has now taken prices in excess of 80 cents from the November low and coincides with a 38% retracement back toward last July’s highs, and the 612 to 646 congestion area from last September. Considering this bounce in the market may be temporary, Grain Market Insider recommends taking advantage of this rally, and these still historically good prices, to make an additional sale on your 2023 crop.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Short covering and a seasonal build up of weather premium has driven Chicago wheat through the late August highs and may be on track to test the next level of resistance between 660 and 665 left in early August. The market shows signs of being overbought and could retreat. If it does, support may come in around 605 – 600, and again near the 50-day moving average near 575.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Since the end of November, the wheat market has rallied largely on short covering activity from being extremely oversold. The market is now showing signs of being overbought, though its close above 661 and the 50-day moving average suggests that it may test the October highs around 692. If not, and prices retreat, support below the market will likely come in between 595 and 575.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. The market will need more bullish input to push prices above resistance at 740 and 750, at which point they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, support could be found near the recent low of 697 ½ before the May ’21 low of 669.

Other Charts / Weather

Brazil 2 week forecast total precipitation courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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12-05 End of Day: Another SRW Sale to China Supports Wheat and Corn; Bean Complex Closes Mixed

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Strength from higher wheat likely triggered more short covering in the corn market, which led it to close just off its highs following two sided trade.
  • Following firmer prices overnight and a strong opening of the day session, soybeans traded lower throughout much of the day on sharply lower soybean oil and expectations of more favorable Brazilian weather before turning back higher to close fractionally mixed on sharply higher soybean meal.
  • Soybean oil likely came under pressure from a Bloomberg survey of plantation exec.’s, analysts, and traders that estimated Malaysian palm oil stocks at the highest level in 3 years.  Meanwhile, soybean meal traded higher off extremely oversold conditions, supporting soybeans and Board crush margins.
  • The report of another large private sale totaling 198k mt of SRW wheat to China ignited a gap higher in Chicago wheat as the markets reopened for the day session. Markets stayed mostly firm throughout the day in all three classes. Minneapolis and KC closed mid-range and well off session highs, with Chicago closing just 5 cents of its highs.
  • To see the updated US 8 – 14 day temperature and precipitation outlooks, and Brazil and Argentina’s 2 week forecast precipitation as a percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of November’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Corn futures finished with moderate gains on Tuesday, as late buying strength in the grain markets, and a strong wheat market helped push corn prices higher. March corn added 5 cents and posted its highest close in nearly two weeks.
  • Funds have built a net short position of 206,478 contracts in last week’s Commitment of Trader’s report. The improved technical picture and the price strength in wheat is leading to an end-of-year short covering rally in corn. The upside may stay limited due to large supplies, but an improved demand picture could help sustain the rally into 2024.
  • The USDA will release the next WASDE report on Friday, December 8. The grain market is likely going to square positions going into the report, and for corn, could see additional short covering and possible price support.
  • The corn market is waiting for Chinese export demand, which is currently down 71% year-over-year at this point, but China has been active in the US wheat export market recently, and that has helped trigger some optimism in the extremely short corn market.
  • Weak price action in the crude oil market could limit buying strength in corn, as well as other commodities. Ethanol margins are still positive, but could be squeezed with crude oil challenging the lower $70 a barrel price level.

Above: The corn market has so far held nearby support near 470, while knocking on the door of nearby overhead resistance at 496. Heavy resistance remains between 500 and 509 ½, and the market will need more bullish influence to push through and test the mid 500’s. Below the market, further support remains near 460, and 415.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Since August, the 2023 soybean market has traded mostly between 1250 and 1400. After trading to 1251 last October, the Jan ’24 contract went on to test the Nov ’23 contract’s August high near 1400, but failed to break through the heavy resistance and has since retreated. Last summer, Grain Market Insider made two sales recommendations in the 1310 – 1360 price window versus Nov ’23, and while seasonally, we are at the time of year when prices tend to rally into the end of the year, due to the considerable overhead resistance in the market, Grain Market Insider may consider making additional old crop sales prior to year’s end.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • Soybeans traded both sides of unchanged throughout the day, but ultimately closed mixed, with the January contract slightly lower, March unchanged, and November slightly higher. Soybean meal was lower throughout the day, but rallied into the close, which supported soybeans.
  • Brazilian weather has improved significantly, with rain having fallen in some of the driest areas of the country with more expected. Despite this change, 4.2% of Mato Grosso, which is the largest soybean producing state, will need to be replanted, and many analysts are revising their estimates of total production lower. Many estimates are now closer to 150 mmt, compared to the 163 mmt estimated by the USDA.
  • In Malaysia, palm oil reserves have reportedly risen to a 4-year high at 2.48 million tons. This is the seventh month in a row that palm oil stockpiles have risen there as production outpaces export demand. These large supplies could be a factor in pressuring US soybean oil.
  • Yesterday’s soybean inspections were reported at 40.7 mb, which was on the low end, and although export demand has picked up recently, sales are still down by 17%. Yesterday, a sale of soybean cake and meal was reported to the Philippines totaling 183,000 mt. This Friday, the USDA will release their WASDE report, and it will be revealed if any changes are made to demand.

Above: On November 15, January soybeans posted a bearish reversal after coming within 11 cents of the August high. Since then, the market has retested the recent high and failed, creating a head-and-shoulders pattern, which suggests a potential to test October’s 1250 low unless bullish input enters the market. For now, heavy resistance remains between 1400 and 1410, with nearby resistance near 1350. Support below the market remains near 1297.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Wheat was able to rally today in the face of a lower close for Paris milling wheat futures, and a US Dollar Index that is making another leg higher. Fund short covering appears to persist, as another announced sale of US wheat to China was confirmed today by the USDA. Today’s sale was for 198,000 mt of SRW wheat, in addition to yesterday’s 440,000 mt sale, their largest purchase in three years.
  • Globally, there is still uncertainty about what wheat production will look like. Bearish figures were released by both Stats Canada and ABARE (Australia). The Canadian wheat production estimate was pegged at 31.954 mmt, higher than trade expectations and last month’s number of 29.835 mmt. Additionally, the estimate of Australian wheat production was raised to 25.5 mmt, which is 1 mmt above the current USDA projection.
  • With a current wheat import duty at 40%, India is said to be considering lowering that to between 15% and 20% to import up to 1 mmt of Russian wheat. India’s internal wheat prices remain high, and this may be an effort to reduce food price inflation.
  • The next WASDE report will be released this Friday. Pre-report estimates call for little to no change for US wheat ending stocks, with the same being true for corn and soybeans. The world ending stocks are projected to remain neutral as well, with no major changes expected.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. After making a high in late July, nearby Chicago wheat trended lower until finding support at 540. During that time, driven by weak US export demand and lower world wheat prices, funds established most of their short position that currently exceeds 100,000 contracts. While bearish obstacles remain, the large short fund position and a seasonal pattern that is currently supportive, could fuel an extended short-covering rally. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made sales recommendations in the late June rally around 720 and again earlier this fall near 604. With those two sales, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter as weather becomes a more prominent market mover, with an eye on considering additional sales in the 625 – 650 range. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Chicago wheat recently broke out of its trading range and approaching resistance between the 200-day moving average and the late August highs near 645, driven largely by short covering and the seasonal build up of weather premium.  For now, support below the market comes in near the 50-day moving average, around 575, and again between 555 and 540.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: Since the end of November, the wheat market has rallied largely on short covering activity from being extremely oversold. The market is now showing signs of being overbought, though its close above 661 and the 50-day moving average suggests that it may test the October highs around 692. If not, and prices retreat, support below the market will likely come in between 595 and 575.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. The market will need more bullish input to push prices above resistance at 740 and 750, at which point they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, support could be found near the recent low of 697 ½ before the May ’21 low of 669.

Other Charts / Weather

Brazil 2 week forecast precipitation, percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

Argentina 2 week forecast precipitation, percent of normal, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center.

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12-04 End of Day: SA Weather Breaks Beans; Short Covering Bids Wheat

All prices as of 2:00 pm Central Time

Grain Market Highlights

  • Despite strong export inspections and a flash sale to Mexico, choppy two sided trade that saw both sides of unchanged dominated the corn market, which was caught between a strong wheat market and weaker soybeans.
  • The prospect of much needed moisture in Brazil, and poor export inspections weighed heavily on the soybean market, which ultimately took January soybeans down nearly 19 cents, despite briefly trading on the positive side of unchanged earlier in the day.
  • While both soybean meal and oil traded lower on the day by double digits, it was the break in soybeans that led the complex lower as indicated by the improvement in January Board crush margins, which gained 6 ¾ cents. Crush margins remain strong and should continue to support domestic demand and basis.
  • A 440k mt flash sale to China spurred the wheat complex to finish the day strong, led by the Chicago contracts, which printed a solid close above its 100-day moving average. KC and Minneapolis had strong closes as well, both closing above their respective 50-day moving averages, Minneapolis for the second day in a row. 
  • To see the updated US 7-day precipitation forecast, Brazil’s 2 week forecast total precipitation, and map of Brazil’s average temperature, courtesy of the National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center, scroll down to other Charts/Weather Section.

Note – For the best viewing experience, some Grain Market Insider content is best viewed with your phone held horizontally.

Corn

Corn Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 corn. Since the beginning of August, the corn market has traded sideways largely between 470 and 500. October’s brief breakout to 509 ½ and the subsequent failure to stay above the 50-day moving average indicates there is significant resistance in that price range. The failure of November’s USDA report to provide a bullish influence on the market puts the market at risk of drifting sideways to lower without a bullish catalyst. During last summer’s June rally, Grain Market Insider recommended making sales when Dec ’23 was around 624. For now, Grain Market Insider will continue to hold tight on any further sales recommendations for the next few weeks with the objective of seeking out better pricing opportunities. If the market has not turned around by then, Grain Market Insider may sit tight on the next sales recommendations until spring.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 corn. Since late February ’22, Dec ’24 has been bound by 485 ¾ on the bottom and 602 on the top. After testing 491 to 547 last July, it has mostly traded between 500 and 525. During this time, Dec ’24 has held up better as bear spreading has allowed Dec ’24 to maintain more of its value versus crop prices as traders attempt to price in a larger 2023 carryout with more uncertainty remaining for the 2024 crop. Moving forward, the risk for 2024 prices is the same as for 2023 prices, which is a continuation of a lower trend without a bullish catalyst. Grain Market Insider is watching for signs of a change in the current trend to look at recommending buying Dec ’24 call options. This past spring, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Dec ‘23 560 and 610 call options ahead of the summer rally and having those in place helped provide confidence to pull the trigger on recommending 2023 sales into that sharp rally, knowing that if corn kept rallying and went to 700 or 800 that the call options would protect those sold bushels.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 corn. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be late winter or early spring of 2024 before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following corn recommendations:

  • Mixed trade to start the week in the corn market as corn futures saw two-sided trade before settling slightly higher in the March, with a ¾ cent gain. The corn market was supported by a strong wheat market, but limited by selling pressure in the soybean complex.
  • Funds added to their short position last week by selling a net 20,976 contracts to build a net short position of 206,478 contracts in last week’s Commitment of Trader’s report. The improved technical picture after last week’s strength and jump in demand could have the funds squaring positions into the end of the year, supporting a potential limited price rally.
  • Weekly export inspections for corn were above analyst expectations at 1.158 mmt (45.6 mb). The stronger than anticipated exports could be an indication the US corn export window could be starting to open.
  • South American weather will stay a focus of the grain markets going into December and the end of the year. The weather has improved, but overall conditions still have limitations. The current South American weather could potentially be a larger corn story in late spring and summer based on its impacts for the planting of the second crop Brazil corn crop.
  • The USDA announced a flash sale of corn to Mexico this morning. Mexico purchased 267,000 mt (16.2 mb) of corn for the current marketing year.

Above: The corn market has so far held nearby support near 470, while knocking on the door of nearby overhead resistance at 496. Heavy resistance remains between 500 and 509 ½, and the market will need more bullish influence to push through and test the mid 500’s. Below the market, further support remains near 460, and 415.

Corn Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, Nov. 28. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Managers net sold 20,976 contracts between Nov. 22-28, bringing their total position to a net short 206,478 contracts.

Soybeans

Soybeans Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 soybeans. Since August, the 2023 soybean market has traded mostly between 1250 and 1400. After trading to 1251 last October, the Jan ’24 contract went on to test the Nov ’23 contract’s August high near 1400, but failed to break through the heavy resistance and has since retreated. Last summer, Grain Market Insider made two sales recommendations in the 1310 – 1360 price window versus Nov ’23, and while seasonally, we are at the time of year when prices tend to rally into the end of the year, due to the considerable overhead resistance in the market, Grain Market Insider may consider making additional old crop sales prior to year’s end.
  • No action is recommended for the 2024 crop. Since the inception of the Nov ’24 contract, it has traded at a discount to the 2023 crop from as much as 142 back in July, to as little as 17 ¾ in early October during harvest. While the spread difference between the two crops has seen a good amount of volatility, Nov ’24 has been largely rangebound between 1250 and 1320 since it rallied off its 1116 ¼ low last May. To date, Grain Market Insider has not recommended any sales for next year’s soybean crop. First sales targets will probably be early winter at the earliest. Currently, Grain Market Insider’s focus is also on watching for any opportunities to recommend buying call options.
  • No Action is currently recommended for 2025 Soybeans. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now, and it may be some time before conditions are conducive to consider making any recommendations. Be patient as we monitor the markets for signs of improvement.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following soybean recommendations:

  • January soybeans ended the day lower, breaking out of the bottom of their range after better-than-expected rains fell throughout South America this weekend. A flash sale and strong crush numbers were friendly, but ultimately, this market is trading weather.
  • The focus for the soy complex has fallen almost exclusively on Brazilian weather over the past few months, but a wetter weather pattern appears to be emerging. Despite extremely tight US ending stocks, if a large soy crop comes out of South America, it may be difficult for prices to remain this elevated.
  • Demand has been a high point of the soy complex with a flash sale reported to the Philippines by private exporters of 183,000 mt of soybean cake and meal for the 23/24 marketing year. In addition, October crush came in at a whopping 201.1 mb, another record-breaking month. Weekly export inspections, on the other hand, came in lower than expected at 1.109 mmt, versus 1.573 mmt last week.
  • Soybeans have been the only product in the grain complex that funds have maintained a net long position in, but they have recently begun reducing that position. As of last week, they were sellers of 14,025 contracts, which brought their net long position down to 67,562 contracts, and this pattern could continue if South American weather remains favorable.

Above: On November 15, January soybeans posted a bearish reversal after coming within 11 cents of the August high. Since then, the market has retested the recent high and failed, creating a head-and-shoulders pattern, which suggests a potential to test October’s 1250 low unless bullish input enters the market. For now, heavy resistance remains between 1400 and 1410, with nearby resistance near 1350. Support below the market remains near 1297.

Soybean Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, Nov. 28. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net sold 14,025 contracts between Nov. 22-28, bringing their total position to a net long 67,562 contracts.

Wheat

Market Notes: Wheat

  • Wheat closed higher in all three US futures classes, with Chicago contracts leading the charge, despite the uptick in the US Dollar Index. Support came from an announced sale to China for the 23/24 marketing year in the amount of 440,000 mt. There is likely also some short covering happening, as the correction from being technically oversold continues.
  • Today’s rally also comes despite a poor export inspections number. For the week ending November 30, the USDA reported that wheat inspections were 6.9 mb, bringing total 23/24 inspections to 306 mb. That is down 24% from last year, and inspections are running behind schedule to meet the USDA’s goal.
  • According to the Bahia Blanca Grain Exchange, a crop tour in Argentina found that wheat production in the southwestern region could be 27% below last year at 2.8 mmt, due to the lack of rain that caused poor yield results. It should be noted, however, that this decline in production should be more than offset by increases in the coastal areas, which received better precipitation.
  • According to CFTC data, the combined short position of the funds in Chicago, Kansas City, and Minneapolis wheat is a record short as of last Tuesday’s close. With the recent reversals higher, it is likely that funds are covering some of that short position. This could be due, in part, to Russia’s wheat values starting to creep higher, which is, in turn, easing pressure on the US market. There is also talk about the potential threat of winterkill for some Russian wheat, adding fuel to the fire.

Chicago Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for 2023 Chicago wheat. After making a high in late July, nearby Chicago wheat trended lower until finding support at 540. During that time, driven by weak US export demand and lower world wheat prices, funds established most of their short position that currently exceeds 100,000 contracts. While bearish obstacles remain, the large short fund position and a seasonal pattern that is currently supportive, could fuel an extended short-covering rally. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made sales recommendations in the late June rally around 720 and again earlier this fall near 604. With those two sales, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter as weather becomes a more prominent market mover, with an eye on considering additional sales in the 625 – 650 range. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Chicago wheat. Since July, new crop Chicago wheat has slowly worked its way lower with no significant opportunities to make additional sales. The lower market was driven mostly by managed fund selling from lower world wheat prices and weak US demand. As the market sold off, it became significantly oversold with managed funds building a short position in excess of 100,000 contracts. While bearish headwinds remain, the large fund short position and oversold condition of the market are two factors that could fuel a sizeable, short-covering rally. Additionally, price seasonals are supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. At the end of August, Grain Market Insider recommended purchasing July 590 puts to prepare for further price erosion, and back in June, Grain Market Insider recommended two separate sales that averaged about 720 to take advantage of the brief upswing. If the market receives the needed stimulus to move prices back toward this summer’s highs, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend adding to current sales levels and possibly even purchasing call options to protect those sales. Otherwise, the current recommended put position will add a layer of protection if prices erode further, and Grain Market Insider will be prepared to recommend covering some of those puts to offset much of the original cost and move toward a net neutral cost for the remaining position.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 Chicago Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Chicago wheat recommendations:

Above: Chicago wheat recently broke out of its trading range and approaching resistance between the 200-day moving average and the August highs near 645, driven largely by short covering and the seasonal build up of weather premium. For now, support below the market comes in near the 50-day moving average, around 575, and again between 555 and 540.

Chicago Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, Nov. 28. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net sold 11,810 contracts between Nov. 22-28, bringing their total position to a net short 119,986 contracts.

KC Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is recommended for 2023 KC wheat crop. Since late July old crop KC wheat has been in a downtrend that has largely been driven by managed fund selling on low world wheat prices and weak US export demand. As the selloff progressed, the market became oversold, and the funds established the largest short position in three years. Even though bullish headwinds remain, these two factors have fueled the recent short-covering rally, which could extend much further if a bullish catalyst enters the market. This would also line up with the historical tendency for price appreciation as the market builds risk premium going into wintertime. Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation going into this winter, as weather becomes a more prominent market mover and may consider suggesting additional sales if prices become over extended.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 KC wheat. At the end of August, the Jul ’24 contract broke out of roughly a one-year trading range, between 740 and 860, to the downside. Since that breakout, the market has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by managed fund selling, weak US export demand, and lower world wheat prices. As the selloff progressed, the funds built up the largest net short position in three years. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying Jul’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following the range breakout. Though as the market recently got further extended into oversold territory and the July contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. Moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for 2025 KC Wheat. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted next fall. It will probably be mid-winter before Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following KC recommendations:

Above: After posting a fresh contract low on November 27, KC wheat has experienced a short covering rally back into the resistance area between 633 and 661.  If the market can close above 661, it may then be poised to test 690.  If not, and prices retreat, support below the market will likely come in between 595 and 575.

KC Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, Nov. 28. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net sold 2,236 contracts between Nov. 22-28, bringing their total position to a net short 49,749 contracts.

Mpls Wheat Action Plan Summary

  • No new action is currently recommended for the 2023 New Crop. Following last July’s rally, the market has slowly stair-stepped lower, primarily due to low world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling. With the funds building a record large short position as the market sold off. Since weak US export demand remains the main impediment to higher prices, the market continues to be at risk of further downside erosion. The record large fund short position could fuel a rally back higher if a bullish catalyst enters the scene, and if that happens, it may signal that a near-term low is in place. Earlier this year, Grain Market Insider made a sales recommendation during the July rally near 820, and with that sale in place, Grain Market Insider’s strategy is to look for price appreciation this winter with an eye on considering additional sales around 725 – 775, and again north of 800. If at that point the market remains strong and continues to rally, Grain Market Insider will consider potential re-ownership strategies to protect current sales and add confidence to make additional sales at higher prices.
  • No new action is recommended for 2024 Minneapolis wheat. At the end of August, the Sept ’24 contract traded to a peak of 871 ¾ and has continued to slowly stair-step lower, largely driven by lower world wheat prices, weak US export demand, and managed fund selling, and as the selloff progressed, the funds built up a record large short position. While bearish headwinds remain, the significant oversold condition of the market and the large fund net short position are two factors that could fuel a short-covering rally in the months ahead. Price seasonals are also supportive as prices tend to build in some risk premium going into the winter months. Back in August, Grain Market Insider recommended buying July ’24 KC wheat 660 puts to protect the downside following a 1-year range breakout in KC wheat. Though recently, as the KC market extended further into oversold territory and the July ‘24 KC wheat contract showed signs of support near 630, Grain Market Insider recommended exiting 75% of the originally recommended position. While in the same time frame, Grain Market Insider also recommended making an additional sale as the Sept ’24 Minneapolis contract broke long time 743 support. For now, moving forward, Grain Market Insider is prepared to recommend exiting the last 25% of the open puts on any further supportive market developments.
  • No action is currently recommended for the 2025 Minneapolis wheat crop. Grain Market Insider isn’t considering any recommendations at this time for the 2025 crop that will be planted two springs from now. It will probably be mid-winter before Grain Market Insider starts considering the first sales targets.

To date, Grain Market Insider has issued the following Minneapolis wheat recommendations:

Above: After making a new contract low on November 27, the March contract found buying interest from its oversold status and record fund short. The market will need more bullish input to push prices above resistance at 740 and 750, at which point they could run toward 790. If prices retreat, support could be found near the recent low of 697 ½ before the May ’21 low of 669.

Minneapolis Wheat Managed Money Funds net position as of Tuesday, Nov. 28. Net position in Green versus price in Red. Money Managers net sold 1,309 contracts between Nov. 22-28, bringing their total position to a net short 28,917 contracts.

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