Tuesday November 5, 2024

  • Soybean and wheat futures were modestly higher in overnight trading on demand for US supplies, corn is flat this morning.  Markets are quiet ahead of today’s US election.
  • Flash Sales:
    • 124,000mt of corn sold to unknown for 24/25 delivery
    • 150,000mt of corn sold to Mexico for 24/25 delivery 
    • 120,000mt of corn to unknown for 24/25 delivery
    • 132,000mt of soybeans to unknown for 24/25 delivery
  • StoneX Yield Estimates were released yesterday, both corn and bean yield estimates were reduced (see image below).  StoneX now has national corn yield estimates within a tenth of the October USDA estimate.  A corn yield of 183.7bpa would be a record yield, bigger than last year’s.  Beans at 52.6bpa would also make 2024 a record.
  • Election day in the US.  Gold prices were up yesterday, presumably pricing in the election uncertainty and preparing for the Fed policy meeting later this week. 
  • The US dollar is under pressure after updated polls shifted in favor of Democratic candidate Harris.  The dollar index fell by 0.40% on Monday and posted a 2 week low.
  • Corn and bean export inspections were within the range of estimates this week.  Soybean shipments declined last week but remain relatively strong.
    • Corn sitting at 30.7MBU, this is 3% ahead of the pace needed to meet USDA expectations.
    • Bean inspections were 79.3MBU, 2% ahead of the pace needed.
    • Wheat shipments fell below expectations at 7MBU.
  • Crop Progress and conditions:
    • 41% of the winter wheat is rated G/E.  The forecasted rainfall in the next two weeks is expected to boost conditions.
    • Bean harvest is at 94%, this is 1% behind trade expectations but up 5% on the week and the fastest harvest since 2005.
    • Corn harvest is at 91% complete, this is 1% ahead of trade expectations and up 10% on the week and the fastest since 2012.
  • Brazilian soybean planting is progressing at a brisk pace.