Futures News

Headlines

Supply shortages boosting corn price
Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:39:04 CDT
Corn prices have surged over the past few years as burgeoning global demand has eclipsed stockpiles. According to the U.S. government, domestic corn stockpiles could fall precipitously from the same time a year ago.
Gold futures hit record levels for fourth straight day; silver futures top $40
Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:37:50 CDT
Gold futures hit new record levels for the fourth straight day in trading on Friday, fueled by a weakening dollar. Silver futures traded above $40 per troy ounce.
Copper futures climb on speculation supplies would fall
Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:04:16 CDT
Copper futures climbed in trading on Thursday for the third straight day on bets that quickly rising demand will outstrip global stockpiles.
Gold futures hover at record levels; silver eyes $40
Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:52:11 CDT
Gold futures hovered near record levels in trading on Thursday as investors endeavored to ascertain whether the recent run-up in value is overdone. Silver futures traded at their highest levels in over three decades.
Cocoa futures climb on Ivory Coast concerns
Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:55:59 CDT
Cocoa futures climbed in trading on Wednesday, driven higher on speculation that resumed production in the Ivory Coast would take time to translate into increased exports.
Gold futures hit record levels, silver at 31-year high
Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:41:38 CDT
Gold futures traded at record levels for the second straight day on Wednesday as demand for the yellow metal grew on the political and economic instability coursing throughout the globe. Silver futures also hit a 31-year high as demand jumped.
Gold futures hit record levels; silver near 30-year high
Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:20:00 CDT
Gold futures hit record levels in trading on Tuesday as investors sought out the yellow metal as a haven asset amidst lingering sovereign-debt concerns in the euro zone, the conflict in Libya and the ongoing crisis in Japan. Silver futures hit their highest levels in over 30 years.
Gold, silver futures up on inflation concerns
Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:15:46 CDT
Gold futures climbed higher in trading on Monday on speculation that loose monetary policies employed by central banks around the world during the depths of the recession would soon lead to higher interest rates to curb a potential uptick in inflation; silver futures also jumped 2 percent.
Survey: Copper prices to fall before rebounding by end of year
Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:14:58 CDT
Copper futures trended lower during the first three months of 2011 as a variety of factors like increasing stockpiles and diminished Chinese demand coalesced to soften demand. Nonetheless, copper futures could rebound through the end of 2011 as shortages take hold.
Gold futures decline on speculation Fed could rein in monetary policy
Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:21:13 CDT
The positive jobs report out of the U.S. on Friday sent gold futures down the most in over two weeks as investors increasingly expect the Fed will rein in its monetary policy following the end of QE2 in June.
Gold futures up on Libyan conflict, head for longest streak of quarterly gains in over 30 years
Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:38:51 CDT
After falling in trading on Monday and Tuesday, gold futures have rallied the past two sessions, buoyed by escalating violence in Libya and lingering concerns over the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis. Gold futures are headed for their longest streak of quarterly gains in more than 30 years.
Copper futures decline on worsening global economic outlook
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:20:59 CDT
Though copper futures surged in value in 2010 on a global economic recovery, the metal declined in trading on Wednesday, falling for a fifth straight day on speculation global economic growth will cool.
Gold futures rally on escalating violence in Libya, lingering euro zone debt worries
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:18:48 CDT
Gold futures rallied in trading on Wednesday after falling earlier in the week as escalating violence in North Africa and worries over the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis coalesced to boost the metal's appeal as a haven asset.
Gold futures drop on bets interest rates could rise as U.S. economy improves
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:54:05 CDT
In trading on Tuesday, gold futures fell on speculation that the economic recovery in the U.S. is sustained and will result in higher interest rates as the Fed scales back its aggressive program of purchasing U.S. Treasury securities.
Gold futures fall on improving U.S. economy
Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:33:37 CDT
Gold futures declined for the third consecutive day of trading following weekly gains throughout February and March on an improving economic outlook for the U.S.
Allianz Global: Gold to lead commodity gains in 2011
Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:12:39 CDT
Though a <a href="http://barcap.info/About+Barclays+Capital/Press+Office/News+releases/News,1729,Investors+bullish+on+2011+outlook+for+commodities">report</a> from banking giant Barclays this week said investors think gains in gold would be limited this year, a newly released study states that gold could lead gains in commodities in 2011 as investors look for a way to hedge their investments against climbing inflation rates in the wake of the nascent global economic recovery.
Droughts plaguing Texas affecting wheat, cattle supplies
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:14:33 CDT
Commodity prices have surged over the past year as global demand, especially from emerging economies, has far outpaced supply. In Texas, inclement weather is hurting the state's wheat crops and has forced farmers to reduce cattle herds, driving wheat and livestock prices higher.
Chinese demand for gold could outpace India
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:08:42 CDT
Demand for gold in China has risen precipitously over the past decade. Among other factors, a burgeoning middle class, growing wealth and anxious investors looking for a store of value have fueled the rise. Though India is currently the world's biggest user of the metal, it could soon be overtaken by China.
Gold futures hit record levels, retreat on speculation rise was overdone
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:07:31 CDT
Gold futures have steadily climbed over the past weeks as violence escalated in North Africa and the Middle East. On Thursday, gold futures touched record levels before declining on speculation the price rally was overdone.
Barclays survey: Investors bullish on commodities in 2011
Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:55:05 CDT
Investors plan to increase their holdings in commodities over the next 12 months, according to a recently published report from Barclays Capital.
Gold futures hit near-record on worries over Libyan conflict, euro zone sovereign debt
Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:53:57 CDT
Gold futures hit near record levels in trading on Wednesday, buoyed by escalating tensions in the Middle East and North Africa, where coalition forces are enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya; jittery investors are also concerned about the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis, which is still fueling worries.
Corn futures rise slightly
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:25:52 CDT
Corn futures rose slightly in trading on Tuesday on speculation that U.S. farmers would increase planting this year, allaying concerns that global supplies would be tight in the coming year; corn futures have climbed the past four sessions.
Gold futures climb on Libyan conflict
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:23:59 CDT
Escalating violence in Libya sent gold futures higher in trading on Tuesday as the metal's status as a haven asset was boosted by the political instability that currently rages inside the North African country.
Cocoa traders could be forced to pay taxes to Gbagbo in Ivory Coast
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:39:07 CDT
Following November's disputed presidential elections in the Ivory Coast, former president Laurent Gbagbo has refused to relinquish power to the internationally recognized winner, Alassane Ouattara. Now, some cocoa traders are set to pay taxes to Gbagbo in a move analysts say could extend the standoff.
Gold climbs on Libyan conflict
Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:23:53 CDT
The U.S.-led coalition that is enforcing a no-fly zone in Libya left the markets uneasy on Monday, sending gold futures higher as investors turned to the metal as a haven asset amid the political and economic instability in the Middle East and North Africa.

Currency

CFTC debates how to curb commodity speculation
Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:30:00 CST
Passed last year, the Dodd-Frank financial bill was crafted in response to the global financial crisis. However, the financial overhaul bill is causing headaches for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is charged with enforcing regulations on speculative commodity investing. The CFTC's members are split largely on partisan lines and are currently debating how best to move forward with the deadline to rein in traders only four days away.
Commodities sell off as dollar rises
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:36:00 CDT
Commodity traders sold off their futures positions, depressing prices, as the dollar showed signs of stabilizing around a nine-month low. The pessimism about risk assets in commodity positions extended to equities, which declined about 1 percent globally.
Precious metals, copper rise on jobs report; crude slips
Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:56:00 CDT
The U.S. Department of Labor released the latest figures for employment in September - and the picture's not pretty, though it could have been worse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the U.S. is essentially stagnant: While the private sector managed to eke out a gain of 64,000, that progress was overshadowed by the continuing weakness of the public sector.
Wheat, tin and gold dominate third quarter
Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:13:44 CDT
For futures investors, it was all about two commodities in the third quarter: wheat and gold. The <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704791004575520533374897688.html" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> reported Friday on a quarter that was dramatic for commodities, both because of supply and demand fundamentals and because of concerns about currencies as governments look for advantages through devaluation.

Energy

Commodities beat stocks for third straight month
Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:04:16 CST
In February, metals, crops and fuel posted bigger gains than the dollar, bonds and stocks for the third straight month, representing the longest streak since June 2008.
Credit Suisse: gold versus oil shows metal poised to rally
Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:03:15 CST
Credit Suisse released a report this week that concluded gold - which is trading at near record levels - will outperform oil as rising consumer prices drive investors to the metal as a haven asset.
Natural gas falls on forecasts of warm temperatures
Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:25:00 CST
Natural gas futures fell in New York for the first time in three days on Wednesday on forecasts of unseasonably warm weather.
Natural gas down on U.S. weather forecast
Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:45:00 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/NG/">Natural gas futures</a> declined on Monday in trading in their biggest drop in three months on forecasts for milder weather in the coming week.
Natural gas flat as cold weather front set to hit U.S.
Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:19:17 CST
After falling early in trading, <a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/NG/">natural gas futures</a> finished the day mostly unchanged after revised weather forecasts called for colder-than-normal weather that could spur increased demand for the heating fuel.
CFTC debates how to curb commodity speculation
Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:30:00 CST
Passed last year, the Dodd-Frank financial bill was crafted in response to the global financial crisis. However, the financial overhaul bill is causing headaches for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is charged with enforcing regulations on speculative commodity investing. The CFTC's members are split largely on partisan lines and are currently debating how best to move forward with the deadline to rein in traders only four days away.
Commodities rise to two-year high on economic outlook, global demand
Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:19:23 CST
Commodity prices reached their highest levels in more than two years today on speculation that there will be a sustained global economic recovery and on forecasts from the U.S. calling for lower agricultural inventories.
Hedge funds bet natural gas will fall early next year
Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:10:27 CST
Often an arbiter of market trends, hedge funds are making bearish bets on natural gas in the new year on forecasts that higher-than-normal temperatures will drive down demand during the first few weeks of the new year.
Genius investor Jim Rogers bets commodities will keep rising
Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:33:24 CST
Jim Rogers, the famous investor who rose to prominence nearly 40 years ago as a co-founder of the Quantum Fund with George Soros, recently spoke at the Reuters 2011 Investment Outlook Summit in New York and asserted that the producers of the world will drive future global growth, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B67CT20101207">according to Reuters</a>.
Natural gas soars to four-month high as cold weather forecast for U.S.
Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:13:00 CST
Today, the price of <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-06/natural-gas-rises-for-fourth-day-in-new-york-on-colder-weather-forecast.html">natural gas climbed to its highest point in nearly four months</a> after U.S. weather forecasters expect unseasonably cold weather, sending heating systems into overdrive and increasing demand for the energy source.
Natural gas edges up on cold front hitting Northeast
Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:36:57 CST
Stoked by fears that unseasonably cool temperatures in the Northeast would bolster demand, natural gas futures rose to more than $4.00 in New York. Temperatures throughout the Northeast – from New York to Boston – are expected to drop over the next 15 days.
Analyst calls U.S. natural gas "complete disaster"
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:40:00 CDT
The U.S. natural gas market is clogged with a glut of supply that's making it difficult for energy firms to grow in the sector.
Cooler weather boosts natural gas prices
Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:25:00 CDT
The advent of cooler weather helped boost natural gas futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange Wednesday, as traders looked at an oversold market and predicted higher demand in the coming months.
Natural gas futures fluctuate on weather, supplies
Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:00:00 CDT
Natural gas futures traders continue to bide their time for the first cold snap or snowstorm of the year, as the key heating fuel fell again on Monday. Gas may be one of the most cyclical of all commodities, driven as it is by the demand for heating in the winter.
Inventory buildup pushes natural gas futures to 13-month low
Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:56:00 CDT
Natural gas futures hit the lowest level in 13 months, driven down by a government report which showed that the U.S. has a significant oversupply of fuel.
Commodities sell off as dollar rises
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:36:00 CDT
Commodity traders sold off their futures positions, depressing prices, as the dollar showed signs of stabilizing around a nine-month low. The pessimism about risk assets in commodity positions extended to equities, which declined about 1 percent globally.
Precious metals, copper rise on jobs report; crude slips
Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:56:00 CDT
The U.S. Department of Labor released the latest figures for employment in September - and the picture's not pretty, though it could have been worse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the U.S. is essentially stagnant: While the private sector managed to eke out a gain of 64,000, that progress was overshadowed by the continuing weakness of the public sector.

Financial

Commodities sell off as dollar rises
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:36:00 CDT
Commodity traders sold off their futures positions, depressing prices, as the dollar showed signs of stabilizing around a nine-month low. The pessimism about risk assets in commodity positions extended to equities, which declined about 1 percent globally.

Grains

Supply shortages boosting corn price
Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:39:04 CDT
Corn prices have surged over the past few years as burgeoning global demand has eclipsed stockpiles. According to the U.S. government, domestic corn stockpiles could fall precipitously from the same time a year ago.
Cocoa futures climb on Ivory Coast concerns
Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:55:59 CDT
Cocoa futures climbed in trading on Wednesday, driven higher on speculation that resumed production in the Ivory Coast would take time to translate into increased exports.
Corn futures rise slightly
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:25:52 CDT
Corn futures rose slightly in trading on Tuesday on speculation that U.S. farmers would increase planting this year, allaying concerns that global supplies would be tight in the coming year; corn futures have climbed the past four sessions.
Wheat futures climb on fears that adverse weather will diminish crops
Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:33:57 CDT
After jumping on Thursday, wheat futures traded higher on Friday on speculation that warmer than usual temperatures across the globe could hurt crop yields and further diminish global stockpiles of the grain.
Corn rises on climbing demand
Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:04:11 CDT
Corn futures jumped in trading on Thursday, buoyed by speculation that demand for U.S.-produced grain would climb after dropping precipitously last week following Friday's 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that battered Japan.
Wheat surges on speculation demand will climb
Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:03:06 CDT
Wheat futures fell to a five-month low on Wednesday, but the sell-off drove speculators and commercial buyers to buy up the commodity Thursday as they looked to capitalize on the lower prices, sending wheat up.
Wheat, soybeans climb on speculation Japan will boost imports
Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:44:24 CDT
Wheat and soybean futures jumped in trading on Monday, fueled by speculation that Japan would soon increase its purchases of the commodities following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated the island nation on Friday.
Russian wheat planting falls to four-year low
Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:09:36 CST
In yet another portent of coming wheat price hikes, this year's crop in Russia will be the smallest in four years after the country moved to ban grain exports following inclement weather that hurt crop yields.
Commodities beat stocks for third straight month
Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:04:16 CST
In February, metals, crops and fuel posted bigger gains than the dollar, bonds and stocks for the third straight month, representing the longest streak since June 2008.
Farmers fail to meet growing demand, inventories drop to 1974 levels
Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:24:10 CST
Corn inventories have sunk to their lowest levels in 37 years, signaling farmers around the world are failing to to produce enough of their crops to keep up with burgeoning demand.
Soybeans slump on lower U.S. exports, cancelled Chinese order
Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:48:55 CST
Soybean futures slumped in trading Friday after export sales from the U.S. fell and China cancelled an order, a signal that importers could be switching to South American suppliers.
Rising commodity prices threaten stability in Latin America, Asia and Africa
Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:11:00 CST
Rising commodity prices are worrying governments around the world as they fear food riots could erupt again - much like they did in 2008. The United Nations reported that countries in Latin America and Africa <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/latin-america-africa-most-at-risk-from-riots-as-food-prices-rise-un-says.html">are most at risk for food riots</a> as the prices climb.
U.S. crop values jumped 22% in 2010
Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:24:00 CST
The value of U.S. crops reached record levels in 2010 as the global economy recovered from a deep recession, leading to increased demand for U.S.-produced goods like soybeans, corn and wheat.
Wheat futures extend rally on growing demand from Middle East
Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:26:00 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/W/">Wheat futures</a> extended a rally in trading Monday, reaching their highest levels since 2008 on signs that countries in the Middle East and North Africa are boosting grain imports and mounting concern that droughts in China would hurt crops.
Surging demand sends corn futures near 30-month high
Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:28:00 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/C/">Corn futures</a> hovered near 30-month highs in trading on Friday and are headed for a second consecutive weekly advance, fueled by burgeoning global demand amid dwindling stockpiles.
Wheat climbs as Chinese crops face drought
Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:55:00 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/W/">Wheat futures</a> jumped to their highest levels in more than two years in trading on Wednesday as demand climbed and droughts threatened crops in China, the world's biggest grower.
Bernanke: surging commodity prices won't affect inflation yet
Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:46:00 CST
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has publicly stated that fast-rising commodity prices will not accelerate the pace of U.S. inflation, and many investors are betting with the Fed's chief policymaker.
Global food prices reach record level in January
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:03:27 CST
Global food prices jumped to record levels in January on higher dairy, sugar and cereal costs; they are projected to stay high throughout 2011 as well, the United Nations stated in a report.
Wheat hits 4 month high on shrinking global supplies
Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:09:05 CST
Driven by increased purchase orders from importers and lowered global output forecasts, <a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/W/">wheat futures</a> rose to their highest levels in nearly five months in trading today.
Corn climbs on tightening supplies
Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:54:44 CST
Corn futures continued to climb today, rising to a 30-month high as buyers gobbled up supplies from diminishing stockpiles.
Corn rises to 2008 highs on decreased U.S. inventories
Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:31:00 CST
Corn futures reached their highest value in over two and a half years on speculation that inventories in the U.S., the world's biggest producer and exporter, will be lower than expected.
CFTC debates how to curb commodity speculation
Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:30:00 CST
Passed last year, the Dodd-Frank financial bill was crafted in response to the global financial crisis. However, the financial overhaul bill is causing headaches for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is charged with enforcing regulations on speculative commodity investing. The CFTC's members are split largely on partisan lines and are currently debating how best to move forward with the deadline to rein in traders only four days away.
Commodities rise to two-year high on economic outlook, global demand
Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:19:23 CST
Commodity prices reached their highest levels in more than two years today on speculation that there will be a sustained global economic recovery and on forecasts from the U.S. calling for lower agricultural inventories.
Wheat starts 2011 up, reaching five-month high
Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:29:27 CST
Wheat climbed to its highest level in nearly five months on news that flooding in Australia could reduce grain shipments and that cold temperatures in the U.S. could hurt crops.
Soybeans and corn rally to 28-month highs on inclement weather in Argentina
Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:05:00 CST
Soybeans and corn surged to 28-month highs on news that adverse weather in Argentina could threaten crop yields there. Argentina is the world's largest shipper of animal feed and cooking oil made from soybeans.

Livestock

Bernanke: surging commodity prices won't affect inflation yet
Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:46:00 CST
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has publicly stated that fast-rising commodity prices will not accelerate the pace of U.S. inflation, and many investors are betting with the Fed's chief policymaker.
Global food prices reach record level in January
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:03:27 CST
Global food prices jumped to record levels in January on higher dairy, sugar and cereal costs; they are projected to stay high throughout 2011 as well, the United Nations stated in a report.
Hogs hit 24-year high on rising demand
Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:01:33 CST
Hog futures continued to rally on Friday, reaching the highest levels in at least 24 years on concern that global supply is rapidly depleting and U.S. pork exports will rise.
Cattle futures maintain record levels on global demand
Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:01:00 CST
Cattle futures remained unchanged in trading today but maintained record levels on speculation that U.S. meat exports will grow because of disruptions to global supplies.
CFTC debates how to curb commodity speculation
Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:30:00 CST
Passed last year, the Dodd-Frank financial bill was crafted in response to the global financial crisis. However, the financial overhaul bill is causing headaches for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is charged with enforcing regulations on speculative commodity investing. The CFTC's members are split largely on partisan lines and are currently debating how best to move forward with the deadline to rein in traders only four days away.
Higher feed costs, growing demand send cattle to record highs
Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:20:19 CST
Record high food prices across the globe are reverberating through the markets, sending cattle futures to a record high today on signs that meat demand is rising at a time when higher feed costs are limiting supply.
Commodities rise to two-year high on economic outlook, global demand
Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:19:23 CST
Commodity prices reached their highest levels in more than two years today on speculation that there will be a sustained global economic recovery and on forecasts from the U.S. calling for lower agricultural inventories.
Hog futures rise on increased global pork demand
Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:06:00 CST
Today, hog futures climbed in trading on speculation that global demand for U.S. pork is growing and on news that South Korea temporarily halted pork imports from Germany on fears that the meat may be tainted with dioxin.
Cattle futures fall on fears meatpacker demand will ebb
Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:03:59 CST
Cattle futures retreated today in trading, falling the most in three weeks on worries that U.S. meatpackers will purchase fewer animals as their profit margins shrink.
Cattle futures jump as global demand for the meat rises
Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:47:01 CST
Cattle futures climbed today in trading on news of rising demand for U.S. meat - especially from China - and dwindling supplies.
Genius investor Jim Rogers bets commodities will keep rising
Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:33:24 CST
Jim Rogers, the famous investor who rose to prominence nearly 40 years ago as a co-founder of the Quantum Fund with George Soros, recently spoke at the Reuters 2011 Investment Outlook Summit in New York and asserted that the producers of the world will drive future global growth, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B67CT20101207">according to Reuters</a>.
Hog prices fall on news of surplus, escalating tension in the Korean Peninsula
Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:50:00 CST
Hog prices fell today to their lowest levels in nearly two weeks as supplies of animals available for slaughter mount amid weakening demand for U.S. pork. Moreover, percolating tensions in the Korean Peninsular prompted fears of decreased demand from South Korea, the sixth-largest buyer of U.S. pork.
Fears of diminished U.S. beef supply, higher corn prices drive cattle to 26-month high
Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:05:00 CST
Rising commodity prices are beginning to affect the price of many goods, including other commodities. On news that corn feed surged in price, cattle futures hit a 26 month high as investors fear the price hike may lead to decreased U.S. beef output.
Hogs rise, cattle stable
Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:43:00 CST
Rising to a two-week high, hog futures climbed on signs that demand for ham in the U.S. increased and supplies dwindled. Cattle, on the other hand, remained relatively steady.
Fatter hogs lead to leaner futures prices
Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:49:00 CDT
Hogs are getting fatter, reports <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-01/hogs-futures-decline-to-10-month-low-on-higher-animal-weights-cattle-drop.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a> - and that's pushing on the fundamentals of lean hogs futures. The average hog carcass weighed over 209 pounds last week, which is the heaviest they've been since 2002, reported the United States Department of Agriculture.
Cattle futures lower, hogs post modest gains
Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:39:00 CDT
Live cattle and hog futures both slipped in trading on Tuesday, with some signs that commodity traders were taking profits before the month's end.
Hogs, cattle bullish ahead of USDA cold storage report
Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:45:00 CDT
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures and live cattle futures rose ahead of a much-anticipated report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Commodities sell off as dollar rises
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:36:00 CDT
Commodity traders sold off their futures positions, depressing prices, as the dollar showed signs of stabilizing around a nine-month low. The pessimism about risk assets in commodity positions extended to equities, which declined about 1 percent globally.
Corn futures rack up another day of gains
Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:13:00 CDT
Last Friday morning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture shocked the markets with its latest report, showing sharp drops in the projected yields for the 2010-2011 U.S. corn harvest.

Metals

Gold futures hit record levels for fourth straight day; silver futures top $40
Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:37:50 CDT
Gold futures hit new record levels for the fourth straight day in trading on Friday, fueled by a weakening dollar. Silver futures traded above $40 per troy ounce.
Copper futures climb on speculation supplies would fall
Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:04:16 CDT
Copper futures climbed in trading on Thursday for the third straight day on bets that quickly rising demand will outstrip global stockpiles.
Gold futures hover at record levels; silver eyes $40
Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:52:11 CDT
Gold futures hovered near record levels in trading on Thursday as investors endeavored to ascertain whether the recent run-up in value is overdone. Silver futures traded at their highest levels in over three decades.
Gold futures hit record levels, silver at 31-year high
Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:41:38 CDT
Gold futures traded at record levels for the second straight day on Wednesday as demand for the yellow metal grew on the political and economic instability coursing throughout the globe. Silver futures also hit a 31-year high as demand jumped.
Gold futures hit record levels; silver near 30-year high
Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:20:00 CDT
Gold futures hit record levels in trading on Tuesday as investors sought out the yellow metal as a haven asset amidst lingering sovereign-debt concerns in the euro zone, the conflict in Libya and the ongoing crisis in Japan. Silver futures hit their highest levels in over 30 years.
Gold, silver futures up on inflation concerns
Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:15:46 CDT
Gold futures climbed higher in trading on Monday on speculation that loose monetary policies employed by central banks around the world during the depths of the recession would soon lead to higher interest rates to curb a potential uptick in inflation; silver futures also jumped 2 percent.
Survey: Copper prices to fall before rebounding by end of year
Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:14:58 CDT
Copper futures trended lower during the first three months of 2011 as a variety of factors like increasing stockpiles and diminished Chinese demand coalesced to soften demand. Nonetheless, copper futures could rebound through the end of 2011 as shortages take hold.
Gold futures decline on speculation Fed could rein in monetary policy
Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:21:13 CDT
The positive jobs report out of the U.S. on Friday sent gold futures down the most in over two weeks as investors increasingly expect the Fed will rein in its monetary policy following the end of QE2 in June.
Gold futures up on Libyan conflict, head for longest streak of quarterly gains in over 30 years
Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:38:51 CDT
After falling in trading on Monday and Tuesday, gold futures have rallied the past two sessions, buoyed by escalating violence in Libya and lingering concerns over the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis. Gold futures are headed for their longest streak of quarterly gains in more than 30 years.
Copper futures decline on worsening global economic outlook
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:20:59 CDT
Though copper futures surged in value in 2010 on a global economic recovery, the metal declined in trading on Wednesday, falling for a fifth straight day on speculation global economic growth will cool.
Gold futures rally on escalating violence in Libya, lingering euro zone debt worries
Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:18:48 CDT
Gold futures rallied in trading on Wednesday after falling earlier in the week as escalating violence in North Africa and worries over the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis coalesced to boost the metal's appeal as a haven asset.
Gold futures drop on bets interest rates could rise as U.S. economy improves
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:54:05 CDT
In trading on Tuesday, gold futures fell on speculation that the economic recovery in the U.S. is sustained and will result in higher interest rates as the Fed scales back its aggressive program of purchasing U.S. Treasury securities.
Gold futures fall on improving U.S. economy
Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:33:37 CDT
Gold futures declined for the third consecutive day of trading following weekly gains throughout February and March on an improving economic outlook for the U.S.
Allianz Global: Gold to lead commodity gains in 2011
Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:12:39 CDT
Though a <a href="http://barcap.info/About+Barclays+Capital/Press+Office/News+releases/News,1729,Investors+bullish+on+2011+outlook+for+commodities">report</a> from banking giant Barclays this week said investors think gains in gold would be limited this year, a newly released study states that gold could lead gains in commodities in 2011 as investors look for a way to hedge their investments against climbing inflation rates in the wake of the nascent global economic recovery.
Chinese demand for gold could outpace India
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:08:42 CDT
Demand for gold in China has risen precipitously over the past decade. Among other factors, a burgeoning middle class, growing wealth and anxious investors looking for a store of value have fueled the rise. Though India is currently the world's biggest user of the metal, it could soon be overtaken by China.
Gold futures hit record levels, retreat on speculation rise was overdone
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:07:31 CDT
Gold futures have steadily climbed over the past weeks as violence escalated in North Africa and the Middle East. On Thursday, gold futures touched record levels before declining on speculation the price rally was overdone.
Gold futures hit near-record on worries over Libyan conflict, euro zone sovereign debt
Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:53:57 CDT
Gold futures hit near record levels in trading on Wednesday, buoyed by escalating tensions in the Middle East and North Africa, where coalition forces are enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya; jittery investors are also concerned about the euro zone's sovereign debt crisis, which is still fueling worries.
Gold futures climb on Libyan conflict
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:23:59 CDT
Escalating violence in Libya sent gold futures higher in trading on Tuesday as the metal's status as a haven asset was boosted by the political instability that currently rages inside the North African country.
Gold climbs on Libyan conflict
Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:23:53 CDT
The U.S.-led coalition that is enforcing a no-fly zone in Libya left the markets uneasy on Monday, sending gold futures higher as investors turned to the metal as a haven asset amid the political and economic instability in the Middle East and North Africa.
Gold futures up on volatile currencies
Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:34:57 CDT
Gold futures climbed in trading on Friday after an unsettled currency market boosted the metal's appear as an alternative currency.
Gold futures jump on escalating violence Bahrain, Libya
Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:02:02 CDT
Gold futures climbed on Thursday in trading as political and social instability in the Middle East and North Africa boosted the metal's allure as a haven asset.
Copper climbs on Japan rebuilding
Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:41:16 CDT
Copper futures broke their recent downward trend and rose on Wednesday in trading, fueled by mounting speculation that demand from Japan will climb as the country rebuilds in the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the country on Friday.
Gold rises after Japanese earthquake, tsunami
Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:47:51 CDT
The devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan on Friday drove gold futures higher on Monday as investors sought out a haven asset.
Gold up on Libyan violence, high energy prices
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:33:35 CST
The bitter standoff in Libya between rebel forces and the army intensified Wednesday, sending gold up as investors seek out the yellow metal as a hedge against economic and political instability.
Copper falls on fears demand will ebb as high energy prices will slow economies
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:31:41 CST
Oil prices are hovering at their highest levels in more than two years as investors grow increasingly concerned that tensions in Libya and elsewhere in the Middle East could cause supply shortages. In trading on Wednesday, copper futures declined on speculation that higher energy prices could slow economic growth, diminishing demand for the metal.

Softs

Cocoa traders could be forced to pay taxes to Gbagbo in Ivory Coast
Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:39:07 CDT
Following November's disputed presidential elections in the Ivory Coast, former president Laurent Gbagbo has refused to relinquish power to the internationally recognized winner, Alassane Ouattara. Now, some cocoa traders are set to pay taxes to Gbagbo in a move analysts say could extend the standoff.
Wheat, soybeans climb on speculation Japan will boost imports
Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:44:24 CDT
Wheat and soybean futures jumped in trading on Monday, fueled by speculation that Japan would soon increase its purchases of the commodities following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated the island nation on Friday.
Orange juice futures fall on upwardly revised supply forecast
Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:07:09 CST
Unseasonably cold temperatures in December prompted analysts to downgrade their crop projections for oranges, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Thursday that Florida's orange crop is actually bigger than previously thought, sending orange juice futures down in trading on the increased supplies.
Cotton futures climb on Chinese demand, diminished stockpiles
Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:14:21 CST
Cotton futures jumped in trading Monday on speculation that demand from China, the world's biggest consumer and producer of the fiber, may not be satiated by global supplies.
Cotton futures hit record levels on supply concerns
Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:35:09 CST
Cotton futures jumped to record levels on Friday on speculation that global demand from textile mills will outpace supplies.
80 percent of Australia's coming cotton harvest already sold
Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:05:54 CST
Cotton buyers have already purchased a majority of Australia's next harvest, underscoring the shortage in supply around the world.
Sugar falls on signs of increased output in Brazil, India
Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:04:08 CST
Sugar futures fell to their lowest levels in nearly three months on signs of increasing output from Brazil and India, the world's two biggest producers.
Farmers fail to meet growing demand, inventories drop to 1974 levels
Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:24:10 CST
Corn inventories have sunk to their lowest levels in 37 years, signaling farmers around the world are failing to to produce enough of their crops to keep up with burgeoning demand.
Coffee hits highest level since 1997 on demand
Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:47:25 CST
Coffee futures hit their highest levels in 14 years Friday on mounting speculation that global demand would eclipse production.
Cotton futures hit record levels on strong demand
Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:27:36 CST
Cotton futures topped $2 per pound for the first time ever on Thursday as global demand outpaced supply.
Rising commodity prices threaten stability in Latin America, Asia and Africa
Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:11:00 CST
Rising commodity prices are worrying governments around the world as they fear food riots could erupt again - much like they did in 2008. The United Nations reported that countries in Latin America and Africa <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/latin-america-africa-most-at-risk-from-riots-as-food-prices-rise-un-says.html">are most at risk for food riots</a> as the prices climb.
U.S. crop values jumped 22% in 2010
Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:24:00 CST
The value of U.S. crops reached record levels in 2010 as the global economy recovered from a deep recession, leading to increased demand for U.S.-produced goods like soybeans, corn and wheat.
Sugar declines on reports of increased output from Brazil
Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:54:00 CST
Sugar futures extended their recent fall in trading Tuesday on signs that supplies from Brazil, the world's biggest producer, may increase.
Cocoa futures climb on fears Ivory Coast will extend export ban
Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:40:00 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/CC/">Cocoa futures</a> climbed to their highest levels in over a year in New York on Monday on news that an order to ban exports could be extended in the Ivory Coast, the world's biggest grower.
Copper futures up on Chinese demand
Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:27:00 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/HG/">Copper futures</a> jumped to record levels in London and climbed in New York on Monday after news that imports increased in China, the world's biggest metal consumer.
Cotton futures hit record levels for third day on strength of U.S. exports
Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:28:00 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/CT/">Cotton futures</a> reached record levels for the third consecutive day after a report stated U.S. exports climbed, a mark of strong global demand.
Ethanol use cuts into U.S. corn stockpiles
Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:04:00 CST
Before the next harvest, U.S. stockpiles of corn will be 9.4 percent smaller than estimated in January because of increased ethanol production, according to the government.
Sugar drops on rising output in Brazil
Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:23:00 CST
Sugar futures declined in trading Tuesday on news of rising output in Brazil, the world's largest producer of the commodity, and speculation that demand from China would ebb after the country increased the cost of borrowing.
Bernanke: surging commodity prices won't affect inflation yet
Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:46:00 CST
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has publicly stated that fast-rising commodity prices will not accelerate the pace of U.S. inflation, and many investors are betting with the Fed's chief policymaker.
Sugar rallies on supply concerns
Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:38:00 CST
Sugar rebounded in trading on Friday on speculation that Thursday's drop - the biggest in more than a month - was exaggerated as global demand rises amid tightening stockpiles.
Cotton down from record on falling demand, tumult in Egypt
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:12:35 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/CT/">Cotton futures</a> retreated from their record highs on Thursday on signs of falling demand for U.S. fiber and mounting violence in Egypt, which threatens regional stability in the Middle East.
Global food prices reach record level in January
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:03:27 CST
Global food prices jumped to record levels in January on higher dairy, sugar and cereal costs; they are projected to stay high throughout 2011 as well, the United Nations stated in a report.
Cotton jumps as global supply falls on inclement weather
Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:45:37 CST
<a href="http://www.ccstrade.com/mkt/CT/">Cotton futures</a> climbed to record levels after flooding in both Pakistan and Australia fueled investor worries that global supplies would be outstripped by demand.
Sugar jumps on supply concerns in India, Australia
Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:44:47 CST
Sugar futures shot up to their highest levels in 30 years after news of lower crop yields in both Australia and India stoked fears that global demand will far outpace supplies.
Soybeans jump on disrupted supply in Argentina
Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:10:55 CST
Soybeans reached a 30-month high on Tuesday as striking port workers in Argentina halted grain vessels, putting added pressure on the U.S. for supplies.