Agri- Commodities: 13-17/1/25
Jan 20, 2025
Monday Corn and soybeans carried over Friday's bullish momentum, supported by a favorable USDA report, while CBOT wheat also strengthened, likely driven by short covering by funds. Robust U.S. export inspections added to the optimism, with corn volumes exceeding expectations at 1.44 million tons. However, concerns over Argentina's crops emerged as heat waves and inadequate rains threatened yields. Meanwhile, funds extended their net long positions in corn while trimming shorts in soybeans, signaling a bullish stance on the complex.
Tuesday The rally in corn and soybeans faltered, with both commodities closing lower despite early gains. Wheat prices diverged, as CBOT wheat edged slightly higher, but European MATIF wheat declined notably. Brazil’s CONAB made minor revisions to its crop forecasts, with discrepancies against USDA estimates remaining significant. U.S. CPI data loomed over markets, while Jordan secured milling wheat at a marginally lower price, reflecting competitive dynamics in international trade.
Wednesday Markets were directionless, ending mixed across the board. Corn held steady near a seven-month high, while soybeans declined for the second straight session. MATIF wheat saw continued pressure despite marginal gains in CBOT wheat. FranceAgriMer maintained its soft wheat export forecast but nudged ending stocks slightly higher. Ukrainian farmers signaled intentions to pivot away from soybeans toward corn, reflecting market shifts. Meanwhile, NOPA's record soybean crush highlighted strong processing demand in the U.S.
Thursday Soybeans led a broad-based market decline, driven by wetter forecasts for Argentina and improved outlooks for Brazil’s crop. U.S. weekly export sales were mixed, with disappointing soybean sales contrasting with decent corn and wheat volumes. Winterkill risks emerged for U.S. wheat regions due to expected cold snaps.
Friday Corn and soybeans rallied ahead of the U.S. three-day holiday weekend, buoyed by weather concerns in Argentina and renewed optimism following a constructive call between U.S. and Chinese leaders. However, China's December grain import data revealed stark year-over-year declines, with corn and wheat imports falling 93% and 75%, respectively. Fund activity highlighted notable shifts: funds aggressively bought soybeans, flipping to a net long position, while extending their net longs in corn and increasing net shorts in wheat.
Weekly Recaps
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
9-13/6/25 Agri
Jun 16, 2025
Grain markets were pulled in opposing directions throughout Week 24, as favorable crop prospects, geopolitical shocks, and U.S. policy developments generated volatile trading. The week opened with a sharp sell-off in corn and wheat, as improved U.S. crop conditions and benign weather forecasts reinforced expectations of ample supplies. Corn and wheat both fell more than 2% on Monday, effectively wiping out prior gains. U.S. crop ratings surprised to the upside, with corn at 71% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. Concurrently, stronger forecasts for Russian and Romanian wheat harvests added further pressure, while China’s surging soybean imports – largely sourced from Brazil – highlighted its continued pivot away from U.S. origin.
Freight
Freight Recap:
12/06/25
Jun 12, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market strengthened further, particularly in the North where limited tonnage availability led owners to raise offers.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
2-6/6/25 Agri
Jun 09, 2025
Grain markets opened June on a mixed footing, with wheat futures initially rallying on renewed geopolitical fears following escalations between Ukraine and Russia. However, the rally soon fizzled as U.S. crop progress data turned sentiment more bearish. Spring and winter wheat condition ratings exceeded expectations, with plantings and harvests advancing steadily. Meanwhile, USDA export inspections showed strong corn loadings, but soybeans and wheat lagged.
Freight
Freight Recap:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
