London Stocks End Down; US Data Stem Losses

FTSE 100 ends 0.3% lower at 5915.55, paring losses into the close as US markets turn positive following some encouraging US data releases. Both pending home sales and the Dallas Fed survey come in better than expected. Still, “the bulls have failed to test the 6000 level,” says Capital Spreads. Continue Reading…

May cocoa continues to build on last week’s recovery but prices have been relatively subdued so far this morning. Despite some choppy and volatile price action during the last few sessions, May cocoa was still able to post a $12 gain during last week’s trading. Continue Reading…

April natural gas prices fell to a new six session low during the overnight hours but have since shown positive reversal action. Perhaps historically low natural gas prices are gaining more attention in the wake of $110 WTI and $125 Brent crude oil as a viable alternative. Continue Reading…

May coffee continues to climb higher this morning, although trading has been subdued as prices consolidate near the middle of last week’s trading range. While the coffee market was only able to gain 1.25 during last week, prices have been able to lift further away from the 14-month lows posted earlier in February. Continue Reading…

Like gold, the silver market is starting the new week out on a slightly vulnerable technical track on the charts. With the March silver contract falling back toward even numbers of
$35.00, it would seem like the macro economic outlook is somewhat undermining of physical commodity prices this morning. Continue Reading…

May wheat was trading 4 3/4 cents lower late in the overnight session. Outside market forces look negative today with a firm USD and weakness in metal, energy and equity markets. The outlook for increasing supply and ending stocks ahead helped to pressure the market in recent days and Minneapolis wheat led the market lower last week as the USDA sees a jump in planted area for the coming season. Continue Reading…

May cotton saw some early weakness on Friday but managed to hold above Thursday’s lows and saw a decent rally to close moderately higher on the session. The market closed 250 points lower for the week. Continue Reading…

April crude oil opened the Sunday evening trade at the high of the session and has declined throughout the overnight and early morning hours. Factors working against crude oil this morning include a modest sell off in global equity markets and concerns that rising energy prices could temper global growth prospects. Continue Reading…

Clearly macro economic sentiment has shifted from the generally positive track that was seen at the start of last week to a somewhat suspect standing. Apparently Treasuries are garnering some lift from fears that high oil prices might be set to slow the global economy. Continue Reading…

Like the rest of the metals complex, March copper is starting off on a weaker footing today and that would seem to be the result of sagging global macro economic views. While oil prices are showing weakness this morning, many Asian markets were under pressure because of fears of slowing off limiting oil prices. Continue Reading…