Managed money, or large fund traders cut their net long positions in live cattle futures by 5,382 contracts, or 51.8%, to 5,001 from 10,383 the previous week for the fifth straight weekly decline as futures dropped to contract lows.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission made the revelation Friday in its Commitments-of-Traders report for the week ended Tuesday
During the same week, commercial traders, those who potentially could make or take delivery on a futures contract, reduced their net short positions by 7,499 contracts, or 20.0%, to 29,933 from 37,432. It was the sixth straight week of reductions in commercial net short positions.
During the CFTC week, Dec live cattle futures dropped to a low on Tuesday of $135.37 per cwt from a high the previous Tuesday of $142.25 and included a limit-down drop on Sep. 16.
The CFTC said managed money arrived at its new net long position by liquidating a net 1,427 long positions and selling a net 3,955 short positions and 697 spread positions. This left them representing 21.7% of total long open interest and 19.8% of total short open interest.
Commercial traders arrived at their new positions by adding a net 6,031 new long positions to their total while covering a net 1,468 short positions. This left them representing 20.8% of total long open interest and 32.1% of total short open interest.
Total open interest continues to rise, having bottomed the week of Aug. 18 at less than 230,000.
MANAGED MONEY PARES LONG CORN POSITION
Managed money pared its net long corn position during the latest reporting week by only 558 contracts, or 0.78%, to 71,293 from 71,851. The net long position of these funds has remained in a sideways pattern the week ended Aug. 11.
Meanwhile, commercial traders decreased their net short positions to 302,256 contracts, from 305,256 the previous week, a decline of 3,000, or 0.98%.
During the latest reporting week, the Dec corn futures contract declined to a low on Monday of $3.75 a bushel from a nearby cycle high the previous Tuesday of $3.95 a bushel. roved for feedlots since June but remains well above the 2009-2013 average.
Total corn open interest during the week rose 21,582 contracts, or 1.73%, to 1.269 million from 1.247 million.
The CFTC said managed money arrived at its new position by adding 2,187 net long positions and 2,745 short positions along with 5,940 spread positions. This left them representing 19.1% of total long open interest and 13.5% of total short open interest.
Commercial traders arrived at their new positions by adding 5,766 new net long positions and 2,766 new short positions, leaving them representing 22.1% of total long open interest and 45.9% of total short open interest.
CASH FED CATTLE TRADE LOWER
Cash cattle prices in the Plains and Western Midwest last week were down $6 to $7 per cwt with action in Iowa at $126 to $128 on a live basis with dressed action at $203 to $205. Nebraska trades were reported at $129 to $130 live and $208 down to $202 dressed. Trading also was reported in Kansas and Colorado and Texas at $128 to $130. In all cases, the lower prices came later than the higher prices.
The USDA reported sharply lower boxed beef prices again Friday with its choice cutout down $2.62 per cwt at $212.23 and select off $1.82 at $209.80 with 124 loads of fabricated product sold into the spot market.
For the week, choice was down $14.07 per cwt, or 6.22%, from $225.30. Select was off $9.46, or 4.31%, from $219.26.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Thursday was $194.81 per cwt, down $0.94. This compares with the Oct settlement Friday of $184.60, up $4.50.