Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle and feeder cattle futures jumped on Thursday as traders adjusted positions ahead of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's monthly cattle on feed report and saw strong U.S. export demand, according to analysts.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures ticked up on Wednesday as pork cutout values remained strong and a weaker dollar made U.S. exports more competitive, traders said.
Traders booked profits ahead of the weekend, after the markets previously found support from gains in equities and improved processor margins that should boost demand for slaughter-ready cattle. Beef processors were earning $54.30 for each head of cattle they slaughtered, after losing money on each animal just a month ago, HedgersEdge.com data shows.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures closed lower on Tuesday, consolidating after Monday's bounce, while feeder cattle futures firmed as corn prices declined, signaling cheaper feed costs.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle and feeder cattle futures rallied on short covering on Monday, analysts said, as the markets recovered from a slide last week.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) lean hog prices ended up slightly on Friday as analysts said a seasonal drop in pork prices toward the end of summer looked less drastic than expected.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live and feeder cattle futures fell on Thursday on a decline in boxed beef prices, which have slumped leading up to the U.S. Labor Day holiday, analysts said.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures fell on Wednesday as boxed beef cutout values turned lower ahead of the U.S. Labor Day holiday on September 2, when many Americans light up their grills, traders said.