
Cattle futures eased at the end of the week after nearing contract highs above $200, while cash cattle in the South ticked higher to catch up with northern prices. Analysts expected the USDA January cattle inventory report to show the smallest calf crop since 1940, and noted that Mexican feeder cattle imports remain halted by screwworm.
Expectations of a smaller calf crop and continued import restrictions point to tighter feeder supplies, which supports prices. Cutout weakness and profit-taking are seasonal pressures in the near term.
Not enough comparable past events yet for a historical read.
Not enough comparable past events yet for a historical read.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.