About The Author

Jack Scoville

Jack Scoville is an often quoted market analyst in the grain and soft commodities sectors. You will find his commentary throughout the Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, Bloomberg, and Barron's publications. Contact Mr. Scoville at (312) 264-4322

COTTON
General Comments: Cotton was lower yesterday and the trends are down in this market. China moved to lower interest rates again and there are hopes this move will help restart the economic engine there. Real estate and domestic consumption of goods and services has been the big problem there. Moves to boost consumer buying are hoped for soon. There are still reports of weaker demand potential against an outlook for improved but still rather low US production in the coming year.
Overnight News: USDA said that Cotton is now 77% harvested, from 71% last week, 77% last year, and 72% average.
Chart Trends: Trends in Cotton are mixed to down. Support is at 66.00, 65.40, and 64.80 December, with resistance of 68.40, 69.00 and 70.00 December.

FCOJ
General Comments: FCOJ closed lower yesterday and held to the recent trading range. There is a threat that current tropical storm Sara could become a hurricane and move into Florida. The storm was located in the western Caribbean Sea on Friday. The market remains well supported in the longer term based on forecasts for tight supplies in Florida. The reduced production appears to be mostly at the expense of the greening disease. There are no weather concerns to speak of for Brazil right now. Rain is expected this week.
Overnight News:
Chart Trends: Trends in FCOJ are mixed to up. Support is at 465.00, 454.00, and 447.00 January, with resistance at a 491.00, 498.00, and 204.00 January.

COFFEE
General Comments: New York and London were a little lower yesterday with the US Dollar also a little lower. Reports of reduced offers from Brazil and Vietnam on weather induced short crops continue. The chart trends are still up in both markets. The harvest in Vietnam is active, but selling has been slow. Rain remains in the forecast for Brazil crop areas. There are now reports for good rains in Brazil as the rainy season is now under way after very dry conditions.
Overnight News: The ICO average price is 269.50 ct/lb.
Chart Trends: Trends in New York are up. Support is at 275.00, 272.00, and 264.00 December, and resistance is at 290.00, 296.00 and 300.00 December. Trends in London are up. Support is at 4560, 4470, and 4340 January, with resistance at 4880, 5100, and 5280 January.

SUGAR
General Comments: New York and London closed higher yesterday with the US Dollar a little lower. The current Brazil rains have kept the harvest and crushing pace down but could provide a boost to production for next year. Trends are mixed to down in both markets. Harvest progress is active in Brazil. Indian and Thai mills are expecting strong crops of cane. It is also wet in Brazil, and this has affected harvest progress. Supplies available to the market could be less in the next six months. Total Brazil production has been affected by drought seen earlier in the year and the fires that destroyed crops in some areas.
Overnight News:
Chart Trends: Trends in New York are mixed to down. Support is at 2110, 2020, and 1980 March and resistance is at 2260, 2300, and 2340 March. Trends in London are mixed to down. Support is at 540.00, 536.00, and 529.00 March, with resistance at 581.00, 592.00, and 596.00 March.

COCOA
General Comments: Both markets closed lower on some profit taking yesterday after the big rally in prices last week. Chart trends are up in both markets. Producers in Ghana and in Ivory Coast have been fighting against too much rain that has made it hard to harvest and deliver crops. It has been very wet in West Africa lately and this is bringing concerns that pod disease could develop. Production in West Africa could be stronger this year on the overall improved weather in Ivory Coast and Ghana. The Ivory Coast government has now reduced contract offers by about 40% on worries about less production due to too much rain.
Overnight News:
Chart Trends: Trends in New York are up. Support is at 7870, 7520, and 7390 December, with resistance at 8900, 8960, and 9020 December. Trends in London are up. Support is at 6240, 6060, and 5940 December, with resistance at 7280, 7340, and 7400 December.

Questions? Ask Jack Scoville today at 312-264-4322