Grains moved lower overnight as the lack of fresh news keeps a lid on this rally off of Jan 12th lows. In outside markets, S&P futures were on a positive trajectory to start the day following yesterday’s 1% loss while crude oil was also in positive territory with modest gains.
The EIA ethanol report on Wednesday showed ethanol production declined -2.2% to a 961,000 bbl/day. Ethanol margins are likely in a 10-15 cents a bushel loss when including all costs, although this figure is up since the start of the year with ethanol prices rebounding. Abengoa Energy announced they would sell their 6 first generation grain ethanol plants in the US as part of a bankruptcy deal with creditors. Corn is trading in a narrow range with $3.72 overhead resistance and the gap at $3.64 providing support.
In beans, Brazil’s harvest will begin in the next few weeks although weather delays are an issue right now. Mato Grosso Brazil is still wet for three days then the rain moves south where it could disrupt early harvest in Parana. The southeastern 20% of Argentina to be dry over the next two weeks. Soybeans moved off of yesterday’s higher close, but the range of $8.88 and $8.70 should be viewed as key resistance and support.
Wheat came under pressure yesterday as Russia said they would be considering reductions in wheat export taxes. Russia plans to hold a meeting on Friday to further discuss export controls for ag and a decision is expected early next week. Support is around $4.66 and overhead resistance at $4.88.
Stocks came under pressure yesterday following the Fed announcement of no interest rate change (not surprising), but they also suggested they have not ruled out an interest rate hike in March. Crude oil continues to try to move higher, as it has posted a $4 a barrel advance off of the 13-year lows set last week. However, it faces a stuff headwind with economic data continuing to purport growing inventories of crude.
The risk of trading futures, hedging, and speculating can be substantial. Grain Hedge is a dba of Foremost Trading LLC (NFA ID: 0307930)
