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Grain prices diverged sharply last week, with corn the weakest as collapsing ethanol prices, now under $0.90/gallon, prompted plant shutdowns. Soybeans and wheat gained, and soybean meal rose $38 a ton, a 12.7% gain, as Argentina's coronavirus lockdown reduced its exports.
Less DDGS will be produced as ethanol plants close.
Ethanol plant closures cut corn demand and DDGS output, which weighs on corn and feed co-product supply. Argentine export restrictions tighten soymeal supply and support prices.
hensallco-op.caMar 24, 2020After 301 past bearish macro events, Corn moved a median -0.1% over 5 sessions (47% higher; middle half -2.2% to +1.3%), and +0.2% over 20.
Not enough comparable past events yet for a historical read.
After 44 past bullish macro events, Soybean Meal moved a median -0.6% over 5 sessions (34% higher; middle half -1.9% to +0.9%), and -2.9% over 20.
After 123 past bullish macro events, Soybeans moved a median +0.3% over 5 sessions (60% higher; middle half -1.0% to +1.8%), and -0.4% over 20.
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.
Ethanol prices under $0.90/gal and plant shutdowns cut corn grind demand and DDGS output, which explains why corn was the weakest grain heading into the 23 March move.
Soymeal had gained 12.7% (+$38/t) in a week on Argentina's lockdown, so the market was stretched and prone to profit-taking and mean reversion.
