Wittal: U.S. dollar limits grain buying

Dec. 15 — A quick update today, before the markets officially close, as I am heading for the airport and my return trip to Calgary shortly. Outside markets were mostly down today with gold and financial markets leading the way lower. Gold is currently trading 90 cents lower at $1,122.54.  The U.S. dollar was trading […] Read more

Wittal: Long-term investors eyeing U.S. grains

Dec. 14 — Outside markets showed some rebound today with news that Dubai World has been able to secure some short-term financing to pay down some of its staggering debt. Gold closed up $3.90 at $1,123.40 today. The U.S. dollar was down two-10ths of a cent today. The Canadian dollar finished down 0.94 cents, closing […] Read more


Wittal: Weather pushes U.S. corn higher

Dec. 11 — Outside markets were mixed today, with gold lower and financial indicators and currencies all finishing higher. Gold closed down $6.30 at $1,119.50, down $50 for the week. The U.S. dollar was up half a cent today and up six-10ths of a cent for the week. In the energy sector, crude oil was […] Read more




Wittal: Farmer selling pressures canola

Dec. 7 — Gold dropped today, which may be the beginning of a retracement after the recent multi-week surge to all-time highs. The U.S. dollar fell 15/100ths of a cent today. Financial markets were down with no real economic news to stimulate anything; energy markets were mixed with crude down and natural gas up today. […] Read more



Wittal: StatsCan sees more canola, wheat

Dec. 3 — Financial and energy markets were mixed today. Gold continues to climb slow and steady, and the U.S. dollar dropped slightly. Grains showed mixed results, as beans posted gains on the day primarily due to speculative interest, while corn and wheat ended with losses as there was very limited trade happening today, which […] Read more


Wittal: Speculators moving to sidelines

Dec. 2 — Outside markets were mixed today, with gold continuing to climb while financial and energy markets ended with losses on the day as the U.S. dollar rose a quarter of a cent. Grains showed losses across the board as profit-taking was the focus of the day. Gold closed up $12.80 at $1,212.50. The […] Read more

Wittal: Market corrections expected for holidays

Dec. 1 –– Outside markets showed good strength, with gold reaching new all-time highs and the Dow Jones hitting its highest level so far for 2009. The U.S. dollar continued to drop, which helped spur buying of commodities. Grains followed the momentum, but that soon stalled out and sent things back down, with some grains […] Read more