The current price of key market indexes

[Value Buy]

October 15th ending prices
Dow 13,424..23
NASDAQ 3064.18
S&P 500 1,440.12
Russell 2000 827.19
Transportation index 5065.53
Utility index 478.33
Gold $1,736. oz
Platinum $1641.50
Silver $32.755oz
Copper $3.7005
Brent crude $115.67 per barrel
WTI Oil $91.70 per barrel
Gasoline $2.85.05 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.484
Heating oil $ $3.2052 Gallon
Wheat $8.4825 bushel
Orange Juice $1.1230
Corn $7.3725 bushel
Soybeans $1492.50
Lumber $287.
10 yr treasury $99.6094
Euro $1.2954
Canadian dollar $1.0205
Yen $78.67
Live cattle $125.975
Lean hogs $78.55

Surprisingly, the stock markets are down a little this month from September, NASDAQ the larger loser based on sell off in Apple.
Foood commodity complex continues to soften from the summer highs
Metals off their highs also......
Still cannot tell if the markets have decided who whens the Presidency yet, based on lackluster performance either direction.
Russel 2,000 has shown great positive movement, which does suggest we might go up from here.

BUT, then we have the potential of the Government fiscal cliff in December.
Imo, a Romney win in November, we see Congress doing something before the end of the year.
Obama victory, I do not know if it happens.

[The Virginian]

Why are Corn prices dropping ?

[tyfighter3]

Tax reasons could be a reason. Most Farmers are in that over 250,000 bracket, so I think they sold more of their crop this fall instead of holding it into next year. In my area in IL, I have not seen any corn stored outside on the ground this fall what so ever around the Elevator's. Yields where running 30 to 50% off depending on what type of ground they where in.

[Value Buy]

Oct 16, 2012 12:09:39 GMT -5 The Virginian said:

Why are Corn prices dropping ?

Because the summer prices were over done on the high side in panick buying.
Some corn growing areas also are harvesting better numbers than originally predicted.
I also imagine some farmers who did not pre-sell their crops are taking what they can get now, rather than see the price drop further.

[The Virginian]

I was paying $1.97 for a frozen 2lb bag of corn. Now it has increased to $2.39 ! That's a 20 cent per lb increase.

[Driftr]

Because the cattle guys killed off a bunch of their stock (kept meat prices down) in anticipation of higher prices and now that the harvest wasn't as bad as it could have been, there's too much supply?

[Value Buy]

October 31st ending prices
Dow 13,096.46
Nasdaq 2977.23
S&P 500 1,412.16
Russell 2000 818.73
Transportation index 5085.03
Utility index 479.40
Gold $1,719.10 oz
Platinum $1577.50
Silver $32.316oz
Copper $3.527
Brent crude $108.70 per barrel
WTI Oil $86.24 per barrel
Gasoline $2.63 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.692
Heating oil $ $3.0682 Gallon
Wheat $8.6450 bushel
Orange Juice $1.0625
Corn $7.5555 bushel
Soybeans $1547.
Lumber $318.
10 yr treasury $99.6962
Euro $1.2958
Canadian dollar $1.0004
Yen $79.80
Live cattle $126.75
Lean hogs $78.275

October was not a good month for stocks, and now we have problems with NYC, from the hurricane, and communications, riling the markets for a couple of days.
Europe is economically quiet right now, although Greece is still being dragged kicking and screaming to their fisdcal cliff.

[tyfighter3]

Corn 7.55? Nov Corn in 2004 was 2.28, Nov Corn in 2006 was 1.77, Nov Corn in 2008 was 3.44, Nov Corn in 2010 was 3.65, Nov Corn in 2011 was 5.83 and today 2012 corn is 7.55. I wonder what the price of Potash has gone up in the last 10 years and Nitrogen compared to the price of Corn. Hec, might as well throw Seed corn in the Bracket too.

[tyfighter3]

Now what would happen if Corn went back down to 3.65 and stayed there for any lenth of time? The years of cheap food and Energy have gone sadly by us because inflation has finialy caught up to us.

[tyfighter3]

There is a reason why the Government doesn't include food and energy in the inflation #'s.

[Value Buy]

Nov 1, 2012 23:49:55 GMT -5 tyfighter3 said:

Now what would happen if Corn went back down to 3.65 and stayed there for any lenth of time? The years of cheap food and Energy have gone sadly by us because inflation has finialy caught up to us.

Government would get flooded with corn from farmers?
Farmers would certainly not plan on planting much acreage next spring.
Probably a lot of farmers would put their lower producing farmland acreage into the government non productive program

[tyfighter3]

E-85 would go way down in price. lol

[Value Buy]

November 18th ending prices
Dow 12,795.96
Nasdaq 2916.07
S&P 500 1,386.89
Russell 2000 792.18
Transportation index 4,983.71
Utility index 444.11
Gold $1,731.70 oz
Platinum $1578.90
Silver $33.095oz
Copper $3.5275
Brent crude $111.74 per barrel
WTI Oil $89.18 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7515 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.73
Heating oil $ $3.0837 Gallon
Wheat $8.4175 bushel
Orange Juice $1.17205
Corn $7.3875 bushel
Soybeans $1394.75
Lumber $330.
10 yr treasury $99.86
Euro $1.2814
Canadian dollar $1.0037
Yen $78.62
Live cattle $130.225
Lean hogs $87.30

With the 200 point move on the Dow today, the numbers look much better than they were after last Friday when I usually post the numbers.
Meat complex is going up due to feed pricing, although the grain markets are continuing a slight downward trend.
Oil complex went way up today, due to Israel, although the traders say they do not believe this current crisis will grow to Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other oil producing countries.
Lumber futures are also increasing, making one think the new housing market must be expecting an increase in construction
Metals complex is flat to up just slightly since October.

Myself, due to election results, fiscal cliff, and European economic chaos, I have reduced even more of my stock holdings since summer.
Only stocks I own:
Nisource (dividend purposes) Have owned this one from 1969-my first stock investment foray-went from a local utility of electric and gas distribution to a big natural gas distribution conglomerate-not the best of breed, but probably a good take over candidate in the future, and a decent dividend.
Exxon Mobil (growth and dividend)
Chevron (growth and dividend)
Probably all are bad investments due to President Obama's dislike of utilities and oil companies......and I realize I should not own two oil companies, but I love em anyway........

Have bought some more silver.

I will not re-invest until after the fiscal cliff decision comes to it's chaotic conclusion in December.
If it does then

[Value Buy]

November 30th closing prices
Dow 13,025.58
Nasdaq 3010.24
S&P 500 1,416.18
Russell 2000 821.92
Transportation index 5,119.11
Utility index 454.12
Gold $1,712.70 oz
Platinum $1604.60
Silver $33.204oz
Copper $3.6295
Brent crude $111.19 per barrel
WTI Oil $88.91 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7303 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.561
Heating oil $ $3.0413 Gallon
Wheat $8.63.50 bushel
Orange Juice $1.23.25
Corn $7.52.75 bushel
Soybeans $1438.75
Lumber $340.10
10 yr treasury $99.89
Euro $1.29.83
Canadian dollar $1.0155
Yen $78.65
Live cattle $130.40
Lean hogs $84.075

The last 15 days commodities have pretty much finished up even with the mid November numbers, but lots of volitility in the markets day to day.

Stocks have shown some gains, which, with all the negative news is surprising imo.

[Value Buy]

As some of you know, I have shaved most of my personal stock holdings in the last six months due to Europe and the coming fiscal cliff.
I did not change my portfolio holdings in my 401-k or IRAs, so I was not totally out of the stock market.
I still think I made the correct move at the time, and have not really been hurt too badly with rising markets, just yet.
I think Europe might escape economic collapse, but will suffer economic malaise for a few years.
I now believe Congress will accept some sort of compromise on our fiscal cliff, but not sure whether it will happen this year, or in January.
I might dip back into stocks in mid January.

[Value Buy]

Deember 14th closing prices
Dow 13,135.01
Nasdaq 2,971.33
S&P 500 1,438.58
Russell 2000 823.75
Transportation index 5,186.95
Utility index 451.10
Gold $1,697 oz
Platinum $1614.50
Silver $32.299oz
Copper $3.683
Brent crude $108.40 per barrel
WTI Oil $86.73 per barrel
Gasoline $2.6621 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.314
Heating oil $ $2.9807 Gallon
Wheat $814.00 bushel
Orange Juice $1.37.90
Corn $7.3075 bushel
Soybeans $1496.00
Lumber $355.00
10 yr treasury $99.34
Euro $1.3116
Canadian dollar $.9863
Yen $85.53
Live cattle $132.60
Lean hogs $85.40

Agricultural commodites still trending slightly downward, except for lumber and oj.
Lumber, anticipating a housing increase, oj, I do not understand because there is no chance of frost damage coming this month.
Nasdaq, down mostly because of Appple stock decline.
Will we see the Santa Claus rally the next two weeks, or do we see a deal on fiscal cliff which could ignite the stock markets?
I took a slight hit on my one bond fund I own this month-sellers coming into the market because the Fed hinted interest rates will increase when unemployment rate reaches a magic "6%" handle, so naturally they sell now at the highs in bonds.......

[Value Buy]

DOW up 100 points today because they think Boehmer might be caving in on the fiscal cliff.
Financials were very strong today and Meredith Whitney came out with a strong recomendation on Citi and a few other banks, about a year and a half too late.

[tyfighter3]

Giving OBama a free reign on Spending would be like giving your wife a few more Credit Cards.

[ModE98]

He's not about to get a "free reign" on spending in the negotiations with the Speaker. If no agreement, we go over the cliff, and things will get very tight. Some predict a relapse into recession if we go over. Chances are an agreement of some sort will be reached late next week. "Me Worry?" (Alfred E. Newman).

[tyfighter3]

I'm looking at the end of Jan to get some sort of deal, and even that may be too soon. I'm pretty much out of the Market right now and going to wait for some clarity to show up before jumping back in. JMO Cash is King

[The Virginian]

I'm looking at the end of Jan to get some sort of deal, and even that may be too soon. I'm pretty much out of the Market right now and going to wait for some clarity to show up before jumping back in. JMO Cash is King

You might be right but I am in the opposite camp - Only 1% cash right now ! It's really difficult to get a sense on where things are going right now - I feel like it could go either way so just toss a coin for a 50/50 shot.

[tyfighter3]

I'm really not in any camp right now V. That's the problem. LOL I figure a little direction would be good for the soul and wouldn't hurt my pocket book either. And you never know, it could be tomorrow or a week or two.

[ModE98]

Tyfighter, you know patience has its virtue, timing is good for the best opportunity. Seek and Ye shall find.

[Value Buy]

I am pretty much totally out of stocks except for a utility, a little stake in JPM, and Exxon and Chevron.
Also still have stock funds in two IRA'S and a 401-k
Just not much of my own savings tied up in stocks right now

Clarity is sorely needed right now.
Mid January may show some, and hopefully I will get in before the big bump in the market.....

[Value Buy]

December 31st year end closing prices
Dow 13,104.14
Nasdaq 3,019.51
S&P 500 1,426.19
Russell 2000 849.35
Transportation index 5,306.77
Utility index 453.09
Gold $1,675.80 oz
Platinum $1,542.40
Silver $30.277oz
Copper $3.6525
Brent crude $111.27 per barrel
WTI Oil $91.82 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7617 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.351
Heating oil $ $3.0318 Gallon
Wheat $778.00 bushel
Orange Juice $1.1735
Corn $6.9825 bushel
Soybeans $1409.50
Lumber $375.10
10 yr treasury $99.28
Euro $1.3197
Canadian dollar $.992
Yen $86.72
Live cattle $132.30
Lean hogs $85.725

Dow closed down from the 15th, Nasdaq was up. Other stock indexes just drifting waiting for the answer to the fiscal cliff.
Grain commodities are still sliding, oj, has really dropped, lumber still climbing
Yen is showing some strong strength

[Value Buy]

January 1st 2012 prices--------------- December 31st closing prices
Dow 12,217 ------------------------------------------------- 13,104
Nasdaq 2,605.15---- ---------------------------------------- 3,019
S&P 500 1,257.60---------------------------------------------- 1,426
Transportation index 5,019.69--------------------------------- 5,306
Utility index 464.68------------------------------------------- 453
Gold $1,566.0 oz -------------------------------------------- $1,675
Platinum $1404.90--------------------------------------------- $1542
Silver $27.85 oz------------------------------------------------ $30.27
Copper $3.436---------------------------------------------------- $3.65
Brent crude $107.22 barrel-------------------------------------$111.27
WTI Oil $98.93 barrel------------------------------------------- $91.82
Gasoline $2.6574 gallon, NY Harbor---------------------------- $2.76
Natural gas $2.989---------------------------------------------- 3.351
Heating oil $ $2.9350 Gallon----------------------------------- $3.03
Wheat $6.5275 bushel------------------------------------------ $7.78
Orange Juice $1.69-------------------------------------------- $117.35
Corn $6.4650 bushel--------------------------------------------- $6.98
Soybeans $1198.50--------------------------------------------- $1409
10 yr treasury $101.0938--------------------------------------- $99.28
Euro $1.296------------------------------------------------------ $1.319
Canadian dollar $102.10----------------------------------------- $.992
Yen $76.94-------------------------------------------------------- $86.72

[Value Buy]

January 16th prices
Dow 13,511.23
Nasdaq 3,117.54
S&P 500 1,472.63
Russell 2000 882.31
Transportation index 5,653.79
Utility index 457.42
Gold $1,683.20 oz
Platinum $1,694.10
Silver $31.55 oz
Copper $3.607
Brent crude $109.68 per barrel
WTI Oil $94.24 per barrel
Gasoline $2.736 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.435
Heating oil $ $3.004 Gallon
Wheat $7.85 bushel
Orange Juice $1.1270
Corn $7.2475 bushel
Soybeans $1436.50
Lumber $375.40
10 yr treasury $98.44
Euro $1.3289
Canadian dollar $.1.0149
Yen $88.38
Live cattle $131.95
Lean hogs $87.425

[Value Buy]

Stocks seem to be on an uptrend right now.
Debt limit does not seem to be a concern to anyone.
Oil complex is climbing again.
Now we have to wait and see if it from the problem in Algeria, or growing economic activity.

[Value Buy]

January 31ST prices
Dow 13,864.60
Nasdaq 3,142.19
S&P 500 1,498.11
Russell 2000 902.54
Transportation index 5,804.23
Utility index 474.00
Gold $1,665.20 oz
Platinum $1,678.60
Silver $31.47 oz
Copper $3.7355
Brent crude $115.60 per barrel
WTI Oil $97.48 per barrel
Gasoline $3.0305 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.336
Heating oil $ $3.121 Gallon
Wheat $7.795 bushel
Orange Juice $1.1970
Corn $7.405 bushel
Soybeans $1468.50
Lumber $352.70
10 yr treasury $96.828
Euro $1.3579
Canadian dollar $1.0016
Yen $91.43
Live cattle $132.875
Lean hogs $89.578

Stock markets are on fire. Dow's best percentage January gain since 1994, just under a 6% gain. The Dow was at 13,104 on January ist, and has gained 760 points in a month.
Oil complex is also up, around 3%, but metals complex down, to flat.
Gold has fallen out of favor right now.
Japan has driven the yen sky high the last two months.

CORRECTION: JAPAN HAS BEEN DRIVING THE DOLLAR VERSUS YEN HIGHER, AND THUS, DEVALUING THE YEN......


Euro is amazingly strong considering Europe is in a worse economic state than the U.S.
I have been wrong on the stock markets the last six months, and paid a heavy penalty for holding too much cash. I will be getting back into the markets in February, trying to pick my spots on some price pullbacks.
I guess I have to wait on the House of Representatives and see what they will do with the debt issue coming due again......

[Value Buy]

March 30th prices
Dow 14,578.54
Nasdaq 3,267.52
S&P 500 1,569.19
Russell 2000 951.54
Transportation index 6,255.33
Utility index 508.40
Gold $1,595.70oz
Platinum $1,574.60
Silver $28.323 oz
Copper $3.402
Brent crude $119.77 per barrel
WTI Oil $97.23 per barrel
Gasoline $3.0402 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $4.024
Heating oil $ $3.047 Gallon
Wheat $6.87.75 bushel
Orange Juice $1.3515
Corn $6.9525 bushel
Soybeans $1404.75
Lumber $391.20
10 yr treasury $98.62
Euro $1.2814
Canadian dollar $1.017
Yen $94.11
Live cattle $124.375
Lean hogs $91.075
I have not posted since January 31st, and the numbers are astounding.
Stocks are on fire and all commodities are slipping. Dow and S&P have set new all time highs.
Metals as well as the soft commodities, but the oil complex which has sees some swings is about dead even. WTI is breaking out from the stread with Brent crude, and have toassume this is caused by European economic stagnation, and our improved economy. Natural gas is climbing, which will hinder it's use in our manufactiuring gains, as well as conversion for cars and trucks. Hard for me to understand why, because fracking has shown we are awash in natural gas.
Lumber has climbed based on improved housing news, and yet, copper is down, in simpathy with gold and silver.
Orange juice is also strong, and with no frost in Florida, you have to wonder why
I have missed the strong stock gains, as I pulled most of the stock holdings I had. I have started to get back in through the month of March, as it looks like our stock market will continue climbing, or at least not fall apart.
Whether this is based on Europe and China stock markets stagnating, and the money coming here, or simply because the Government continues printing money here, I am not sure.
Heating oil is being dropped from the commodity exchange this month and being replaced by diesel fuel, so I will be picking this up in coming months.