Better Outlook For Crops

 | Feb 20, 2017 07:39AM ET

In this report we suggest studying the personal composite instrument (PCI) grain index . It includes four major grains traded at stock exchange. The index may decline in case the single CFDs, its constituents, fall in price.

Previously, grains reached the 8-month high on rising global demand rose and negative crops outlook. In particular, market participants were worried that winter wheat sowings may be harmed in the EU due to cold and dry winter. Now the news is changing.

FranceAgriMer Agency released on Friday the data on wheat sowings in France which is the European leader by its production. The share of sowings rated “good and excellent” is 92%. This is below last year's level of 94% but much better than expected. The Russian Ministry of Agriculture forecasts that national wheat crops in 2017 will be roughly in line with the record crops of 2016 of 119mln tonnes. Russia ranks 3rd in the world by wheat production and, speaking of export, shares the 1st place with the US.

Excellent soybean crops are anticipated in Brazil. Meanwhile, soybean oil prices fell in India to their 2-year low as national production increased by far. Mexico decided to diversify the import shipments of corn and is planning to buy it in South Africa. Previously, almost all needed corn had been purchased in the US but now Mexico decided to undertake the counter-moves after the US tightened immigration policy and on Trump’s comments. The cancellation of purchases may negatively affect US agriculture and push prices down.