Grain Spreads: WASDE Review Soybeans

Bowl of frozen edamame by KrimKate via iStock

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Commentary

The soybean session turned into a wild ride today but at the end of the day, January 25 soybeans, the most actively traded contract, settled right at resistance just a few cents higher on the day. Surprises by USDA that delivered a US yield number that were much less than expected.  The average trade guess was for a 52.8 yield. USDA came in with a bullish surprise at 51.7. This punched ending stocks from a pre report guess at 532 down to 470 as production was revised lower by 121 million bushels. With the 51.7 yield, the decline cut US production by 121 million bushels. This was offset by the USDA softening the production loss with a cut to exports and crush. A 470-million-bushel carryout is still putting a 10.8% carryout/use ratio on paper. Historically, prices associated with a ratio over 10 percent puts the path of least resistance lower if you cite prices in past crop years. This may be why most of the day’s rally evaporated by the close. It is my opinion that soybean and soy oil futures are likely receiving spillover support from the palm oil market, which has surged about 35% since mid-August. Palm oil prices are expected to remain elevated into early 2025 amid a shortage of supplies in Asia. Todays close settled just below the 21-week moving average. At 1031, which is first resistance next week. Next levels up are 10.38 and 10.44. A close over 10.44 pushed the market to 10.59. A close over 10.59, and I wouldn’t be short, as the technical levels tell me that we could rally to 11.03. There isn’t much meaningful support until 9.92/91. A close under and its 980 and then 972/69. A close under 969 puts the August lows in play at 9.55. Make no mistake this report was a bullish surprise in my view and yet the market could only a muster a 4-cent rally. Looking for follow thru if any early next week.

Trade Ideas

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Risk Reward

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Sean Lusk

Vice President Commercial Hedging Division

Walsh Trading

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On the date of publication, Sean Lusk did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.