Copper is Red Hot!
Copper futures surged to their highest levels since August 1st as speculators rushed to cover short positions after yesterday’s surprising 50 basis point cut in the Fed Funds rate.
Traders viewed the aggressive move as a sign that the Fed is prepared to intervene, if necessary, to prevent the U.S. economy from falling into a recession, even at the risk of stimulating inflation. Any sign of an improving growth rate for the U.S. economy is a bullish sign for the entire base metals complex, including Copper. The most recent Commitment of Traders report showed non-commercial traders being net short 9,091 Copper contracts as of September 11th, and today’s sharp reaction was fueled by the covering of some of those short positions. Chinese demand continues to be strong, with the International Copper Study Group forecasting a 340,000 ton Copper deficit for the first half of 2007, due mostly to the voracious appetite for base metals in China. The next resistance point for December Copper is seen at 363.10, with support found at the 50-day moving average of $341.10. December Copper closed at 357.55, up 12.75.
Wheat futures closed sharply lower this afternoon, as profit-taking selling and unwinding of Corn/Wheat spreads pressured the market. With little new fundamental news out today, traders began to focus on the demand picture, with the notion that high prices will start to curtail export demand, especially after India announced that its Wheat stocks were adequate at current levels. Today’s sell-off allowed the December contract to briefly trade down the 30-cent limit, as sell stops were seen being triggered below the recent lows of $8.53 ¾. Traders also reported a moderate amount of Corn/Wheat spreading taking place, as large speculative accounts continue to unwind their spreads. $8.28 is seen as the next support point for December Wheat, with resistance found at $8.76. December Wheat closed at $8.45, down 24 cents.
Mike Zarembski, Senior Commodity Analyst
