Chicago Grain Markets Mixed Amid Biofuel Hopes, Export Concerns
CHICAGO, Feb 26 – U.S. grain futures experienced a volatile Thursday, driven by biofuel policy updates and fluctuating export demand.
- Soybean futures initially surged to a 20-month high on anticipated increased biofuel blending mandates, before retreating on profit-taking. May soybeans settled at $11.56-1/4 a bushel. Soyoil futures hit a mid-September high.
- Corn futures declined due to profit-taking and disappointing export sales data, with May corn at $4.40-3/4 a bushel. Weekly exports hit a seven-week low.
- Wheat futures rebounded after three sessions of losses. May wheat closed at $5.73-1/2 a bushel.
Analysts cite uncertainty surrounding Chinese soybean demand and tariff concerns as potential market headwinds.
