DTN Cattle Six Factors

TREND: The trend in February live cattle is steady to somewhat higher.     

NONCOMMERCIAL OUTLOOK: Noncommercial traders held a net-long futures position of 118,887 contracts in live cattle for the week ending Oct. 7, as traders continue to be keenly aware of the market’s historical position. They’re aware of the seasonal declines that are taking place in boxed beef prices and fed cash cattle prices and are concerned about the technical risk.

COMMERCIAL OUTLOOK: On the futures board, commercials remain moderately short in live cattle as of Oct. 7, likely hedged positions. Packers were again able to get cattle bought cheaper this week.

SEASONAL INDEX: Cash cattle prices tend to peak in March and bottom in October.

PRICE PROBABILITY: The most active futures contract (February) gained two points to the 78th percentile, a threshold not seen last since late 2023.

VOLATILITY: The three-month price volatility for February live cattle gained one point to the 8th percentile as traders recognize the technical vulnerability in the market, but are still acknowledging the market’s positive fundamental outlook from a long-term perspective.