Live cattle futures closed Friday with losses of 57 cents to $1.40, as February was $2.40 higher over the week. Open interest suggested a rotation of ownership, up just 237 contracts on Friday. Cash trade was stronger last week, as most of the country was $230. Feeder cattle futures closed the week with $3.35 to $4.30 losses on Friday, as January was a nickel higher on the week. OI was down 206 contracts on Friday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back up $1.30 to $346.77 on December 10.
CFTC data is catching up on Commitment of Traders report, but still 4 weeks behind with data as of November 18 showing spec cutting 3,934 contracts from their net long to 97,331 contracts. In feeder cattle futures and options, managed money was net long 17,430 contracts.
