The current price of key market indexes

[Value Buy]

Mar 29, 2013 9:57:04 GMT -5 Value Buy said:

[Value Buy]

 2013 at 9:57am</abbr>

April 14th prices
Dow 14,856
Nasdaq 3,294.95
S&P 500 1,588.88
Russell 2000 945.18
Transportation index 6,164.86
Utility index 523.38
Gold $1,501oz
Platinum $1,495.30
Silver $26.321 oz
Copper $3.349
Brent crude $101.42 per barrel
WTI Oil $91.29 per barrel
Gasoline $2.8717 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $4.222
Heating oil $ $2.871 Gallon
Wheat $7.1475 bushel
Orange Juice $1.44
Corn $7.25 bushel
Soybeans $1413.00
Lumber $373.60
10 yr treasury $101.38
Euro $1.31.11
Canadian dollar $1.0138
Yen $98.41
Live cattle $1225.85
Lean hogs $82.25

Since we are two days in to the new trading week, this data is so out of date.
Oil complex has collapsed, for a few days.
The metals are falling faster than their weight, for now.
Most of the downward pressure is due to consumer sentiment and purchases being negative last month, plus abysmal jobs numbers.
Grain commodities are up-traders have defected from oil and metals into the grains, because the old crop (last year's) prices are so far down from their highs, and they know the new crop estimates will drive this fall's prices downward, unless their is major drought, but they can force current prices up thru massivive purchasing of the futures. They have to put the money somewhere.
If the oil complex remains weak, I can see the American consumer rebound because of extra money in their pocket from lower gasoline cost.
Stocks are all over the board after reaching new highs in the Dow We are bouncing around in both directions on really little data to go on, other than no jobs, no consumer spending and no Government direction
Other than that, it is a great time out there in the real world..........

I do expect the oil complex to go back up in the next week or so. The traders just cannot stay away from it. Too much money to be made there to ignore it.
I see lumber futures are also down, even though we do see a lukewarm rebound in building numbers.
Copper is really soft too, so the market is thinking, housing will soften??
Not good news for the economic recovery.

[Value Buy]

Forgot the Japanese yen-Japan is desparate now, they have devalued it so much trying to jump start their economy and industries, at the expense of the United States and Europe.

[Value Buy]

The hits just keep coming......
April 30th prices

Dow 14,839.80
Nasdaq 3,238.79
S&P 500 1,597.86
Russell 2000 946.40
Transportation index 6,177.95
Utility index 537.32
Gold $1,475.70oz
Platinum $1,505.30
Silver $2.425 oz
Copper $3.187
Brent crude $101.67 per barrel
WTI Oil $93.08 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7823 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $4.343
Heating oil $ $2.8735 Gallon
Diesel  $2.8239
Wheat $7.31 bushel
Orange Juice $1.404
Corn $6.50 bushel
Soybeans $1399.00
Lumber $344.30
10 yr treasury $102.922
Euro $1.3167
Canadian dollar $1.0073
Yen $97.46
Live cattle $122.175
Lean hogs $92.50

Dow still hovering around an all time high.
S&P Setting an all time high
Nasdaq around an eight year high 
Now we wait and see if the market sells in May and goes away.
I do not think it will.
Fourteen out of the fifteen years where the markets were up the first four consequitive months of the year, May followed up with a gain.I believe the markets realize the Fed will not stop easing this year and maybe not til late in 2014, if then, due to economic malaise here, and  around the world.
Oil futures dropped today, based on economic reports today and announcement of crude imports to America down from a year ago.
Copper and lumber have declined also, but the new housing markets seems stable to improving
When people open their monthly statements, they should be pleased with results.
The individual investor just might start buying more stocks.
 

[Value Buy]

May 15th prices

Dow 15,275.69
Nasdaq 3,471.62
S&P 500 1,658.78
Russell 2000 988.54
Transportation index 6,519.88
Utility index 516.29
Gold $1,391.50oz
Platinum $1,487.70
Silver $22.50 oz
Copper $3.2675
Brent crude $103.80 per barrel
WTI Oil $94.26 per barrel
Gasoline $2.8671 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $4.09
Heating oil $ $2.8671 Gallon
Diesel $2.8799
Wheat $693.75 bushel
Orange Juice $1.4645
Corn $6.5075 bushel
Soybeans $1412.75
Lumber $321.10
10 yr treasury $101.69
Euro $1.28.84
Canadian dollar $1.0152
Yen $.9775
Live cattle $1220.22
Lean hogs $92.25

Stocks are still heading north for the month. May has been great for long term stock investors. Dow up 430 points in fifteen days.
Although gasoline prices across the country are trending down, in the Chicagoland market we are struggling with $4.00 a gallon retail gas, and higher in Chicago.
The Euro seems to be stalled and possibly falling, which might hurt American exports to Europe.

[Value Buy]

On January 1st, the Dow was at 13,104
Today, 15,275, a 2,170 point increase.

[Value Buy]

May 31st prices

Dow 15,115.57
Nasdaq 3,455.91
S&P 500 1,630.74
Russell 2000 984.14
Transportation index 6,290.18
Utility index 482.16
Gold $1,395oz
Platinum $1,482.70
Silver $22.69 oz
Copper $3.31
Brent crude $100.15 per barrel
WTI Oil $91.97 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7549 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.981
Heating oil $ $2.78 Gallon
Diesel $2.7814
Wheat $706.00 bushel
Orange Juice $1.5135
Corn $6.62 bushel
Soybeans $1510.00
Lumber $306.30
10 yr treasury $96.59
Euro $1.2995
Canadian dollar $97.49
Yen $100.46
Live cattle $120.45
Lean hogs $93.85

[Value Buy]

June 15th prices

Dow 15,070.18
Nasdaq 3,423.56
S&P 500 1,626.73
Russell 2000 981.38
Transportation index 6,309.48
Utility index 485.33
Gold $1,387.60oz
Platinum $1,447.40
Silver $21.95 oz
Copper $3.2015
Brent crude $105.84 per barrel
WTI Oil $97.85 per barrel
Gasoline $2.8967 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.733
Heating oil $ $2.96 Gallon
Diesel $2.9622
Wheat $680.75 bushel
Orange Juice $1.47
Corn $6.55 bushel
Soybeans $1516.50
Lumber $283.60
10 yr treasury $96.59
Euro $1.3345
Canadian dollar $96.59
Yen $100.06
Live cattle $118.35
Lean hogs $98.025

[Value Buy]

The oil complex is on a run right now.
Utilities have taken a hit over expectations of interest rate increases, that have not happened yet.
Inflation is not an issue and the metals complex is still falling slightly as a result. Of course a couple of trading houses have also called the end of the bull market run in gold, so that has a lot to do with gold's retracement.
Lumber is surprisingly weak based on the housing market being good right now
The Dow is suffering misdiagnosis right now as no one seems to figure what is going on right now. 100 point swings are becoming the norm.
Now we wait for the Fed to talk, and we go up or down based on their view of the economy.
I think they will say, no increase in interest rates just yet, and the stock market takes it as good news.

[Value Buy]

July 1st prices

Dow 14,909.60
Nasdaq 3,403.25
S&P 500 1,606.28
Russell 2000 977.48
Transportation index 6,173.86
Utility index 485.90
Gold $1,233.70oz
Platinum $1,336.90
Silver $19.47 oz
Copper $3.05
Brent crude $101.99 per barrel
WTI Oil $96.56 per barrel
Gasoline $2.77 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.565
Heating oil $ $2.86 Gallon
Diesel $2.8588
Wheat $657.60 bushel
Orange Juice $1.29.90
Corn $6.85 bushel
Soybeans $1252.00
Lumber $299.00
10 yr treasury $93.60
Euro $1.301
Canadian dollar $95.04
Yen $99.145
Live cattle $122.05
Lean hogs $97.45

[Value Buy]

July 31st prices

Dow 15,499.54
Nasdaq 3,626.37
S&P 500 1,685.73
Russell 2000 1,045.26
Transportation index 6,461.80
Utility index 503.97
Gold $1,326.10 oz
Platinum $1,444.90
Silver $19.695oz
Copper $3.139
Brent crude $107.98 per barrel
WTI Oil $105.45 per barrel
Gasoline $2.992 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.439
Heating oil $ $3.06 Gallon
Diesel $3.0564
Wheat $665.25 bushel
Orange Juice $1.439
Corn $4.77 bushel
Soybeans $1205.75
Lumber $308.70
10 yr treasury $92.79
Euro $1.3272
Canadian dollar $97.06
Yen $98.23
Live cattle $125.42
Lean hogs $83.325

Interesting markets. Bonds and bond funds are falling fast for fear of rising interest rates, and yet utilities are strong.
Oil and gasoline climbing fast, possibly affecting consumer spending the rest of the summer.
Cattle up, even though feed costs down. Hogs free falling with lower feed costs coming.
Grain complex falling due to expected bumper crops coming this fall, metal markets seem to have found their bottom.
AND THROUGH IT ALL, the stock markets are climbing
Nasdaq is showing some really good gains. 

Despite soft employment, the economy is improving, and all markets are recognizing it.

[Value Buy]

August 15th closing prices

Dow 15,112.19
Nasdaq 3,606.12
S&P 500 1,661.32
Russell 2000 1,027.61
Transportation index 6,337.68
Utility index 486.77
Gold $1,361.20 oz
Platinum $1,525.60
Silver $22.985oz
Copper $3.3745
Brent crude $109.79 per barrel
WTI Oil $107.51 per barrel
Gasoline $2.989 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.424
Heating oil $ $3.07 Gallon
Diesel $3.0754
Wheat $648.50 bushel
Orange Juice $1.3045
Corn $4.69 bushel
Soybeans $1,265.00
Lumber $323.00
10 yr treasury $97.72
Euro $1.3329
Canadian dollar $97.00
Yen $97.62
Live cattle $128.45
Lean hogs $87.575

Ten year treasury is climbing fast in anticipation of the Fed tapering in September. Hitting bonds and bond funds hard as well as utilities and the utility index.
Grain complex remains soft to down due to expected heavy crop returns this fall across the grain producing states.
Metal complex not doing too much right now, and stocks are in the August doldrums.
Cattle and hog complex are both up $3.00 in fifteen days. Not sure what is happening there. With mild weather in the farm states the animals are not under stress, losing weight, etc, and feed costs are diminishing due to lower grain prices.
That said, if Egypt erupts, oil takes off, stocks tumble, and gold will probably climb again.
September can be interesting this year, as sometimes it is a good stock month, and some times a bad one. Will have to wait and see what happens. 

[Value Buy]

August 30th closing prices

Dow 14,810.31
Nasdaq 3,589.87
S&P 500 1,632.97
Russell 2000 1,010.90
Transportation index 6,249.88
Utility index 477.87
Gold $1,396.10 oz
Platinum $1,527.10
Silver $23.53oz
Copper $3.225
Brent crude $114.27 per barrel
WTI Oil $107.85 per barrel
Gasoline $3.0186 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.581
Heating oil $ $3.1366 gallon
Diesel $3.1402
Wheat $6.4325 bushel
Orange Juice $1.3695
Corn $4.8750 bushel
Soybeans $1,386.75
Lumber $318.90
10 yr treasury $97.17
Euro $1.3221
Canadian dollar $94.89
Yen $98.16
Live cattle $126.98
Lean hogs $87.625

[Value Buy]

Something is going on in the oil/gasoline play.
WTI was up over a dollar a barrel again today and gasoline has continued it's slide downward. Lost about three cents today, and that is a huge move.
The spread is growing between the two.
I know there is concern over Syria and oil is climbing, and gasoline futures always drop off after Labor Day due to lower driving needs, but the spread is pretty large right now.

[Value Buy]

Third quarter ending prices, September 28th
Dow 15,258.24
Nasdaq 3,781.59
S&P 500 1,691.75
Russell 2000 1,074.19
Transportation index 6,597.59
Utility index 482.19
Gold $1,340.60 oz
Platinum $1,421.50
Silver $21.775oz
Copper $3.31
Brent crude $107.82 per barrel
WTI Oil $101.68 per barrel
Gasoline $2.655 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.55
Heating oil $ $2.97 gallon
Diesel $2.9731
Wheat $6.8275 bushel
Orange Juice $1.2940
Corn $4.5325 bushel
Soybeans $1,319
Lumber $341.80
10 yr treasury $99.19
Euro $1.33498
Canadian dollar $96.80
Yen $1.0224
Live cattle $132.07
Lean hogs $88.125

Commodities have trended downward, except for grains, cattle, hogs, and lumber. Oil complex has fallen some, gasoline taking the biggest fall.
Metals are soft.
Ten year treasury has come off it's low, helping the utility index to perk up.
Stocks, for all their softness the last two weeks are still actually strong.
Now all we have to worry about this fall is the potential of the Fed actually doing their job and taper, and Congress messing up the entire economy playing politics, not to mention whether "Obamacare" messes all working class people up.
The Euro has regained momentum against the dollar again, which could spur exports to Europe, which could help the Industrials.

So.......will we have a positive gain in the stock market in the last quarter, or will we give back sizeable gains from the first nine months?
Even with all the negative things that could happen, I am looking for positive moves this fall.

[Deleted]

Now all we have to worry about this fall is the potential of the Fed actually doing their job and taper, and Congress messing up the entire economy playing politics, not to mention whether "Obamacare" messes all working class people up.

 The real threat of poison in the well comes from the "Tea Party", not Congress in general. The TP is the fly in the ointment. THEY are the ones who get their jollies by throwing a monkey wrench into the works. It gives the little narcissists a sense of empowerment to accompany their sense of entitlement.

[Value Buy]

Patience, here at Investing, we try to stay out of politics.
I only say this, because I am at P&M with you, where the discussion does get carried away sometimes.
We can mention it with context of investing and directions of the markets, but we hold the commentary on politics to a bare minimum.
In my previous statement, I am trying to state the markets are going to be in flux due to the political bickering going on, and how "Obamacare" can have impact on the business community.

Just and fyi.
Thanks

[Value Buy]

October 16th closing prices
Dow 15,373.83
Nasdaq 3,839.43
S&P 500 1,721.54
Russell 2000 1,092.42
Transportation index 6,736.87
Utility index 487.60
Gold $1,285.90 oz
Platinum $1,406.30
Silver $21.515oz
Copper $3.305
Brent crude $110.55 per barrel
WTI Oil $102.26 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7088 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.791
Heating oil $ $3.04 gallon
Diesel $3.0435
Wheat $6.8150 bushel
Orange Juice $1.2370
Corn $4.4175 bushel
Soybeans $1,280
Lumber $345.50
10 yr treasury $98.66
Euro $1.3535
Canadian dollar $96.75
Yen $1.0125
Live cattle $1333.25
Lean hogs $88.625

These numbers were after Congress extended the debt limit, and stocks had an excellent day yesterday.
Today, gold is on a tear, assuming we are continueing to weaken the dollar thru a larger and larger deficit.
I am wondering when cattle and hog prices start coming down due to lower feed costs. I assume the farms have to rebuild their herds now that they can afford feed, so it might not be until spring before cattle futures subside to any appreciable amount

S&P 500 hit a record high today, but the Dow is struggling due to bad earning report from IBM, and worries about United Healthcare, although the Dow is currently recovering and may be up on the day by the close. 

[Value Buy]

Oil complex is facing a sell off. WTI is under $97 a barrel today.
We might see $3 gasoline in most of the country in late November early December, which might trigger a green Christmas for retailers this year.
Stocks  are so so, but many individual companies are hitting home runs this month in their prices.
Then again, others are falling.
Utility sector is on fire this week as interest rates have stabilized or even started falling due to no monetary easing again this month.
Ten year down from a high of 2.84 to 2.49 percent
Not sure what is happening in the new home sector right now. Builders reporting sales have stalled a little on rising rates.
Now that rates have leveled, or falling slightly, we might see a kick in sales and pricing, making the consumer feel a little safer pushing the economy upward.

[uncle23]

....

I like your posts Value Buy........

[Value Buy]

I am looking for an all time high in the Dow and S&P 500 this week.  S&P 500 is just on fire this month, breaking new highs every few days
Looks like November is going to be good for investors also.

[Value Buy]

Well we got the all time closing high on the Dow and the S&P 500 today.
Even the Fed and Congress cannot slow the momentum right now.
If we continue upward in November, do we swoon in December, or get the Christmas lift thru the month?

[Value Buy]

November 1st closing prices
Dow 15,615.55
Nasdaq 3,922.04
S&P 500 1,761.64
Russell 2000 1,095.67
Transportation index 7,047.77
Utility index 504.65
Gold $1,313.20 oz
Platinum $1,451.90
Silver $21.87 oz
Copper $3.2985
Brent crude $105.91 per barrel
WTI Oil $94.67 per barrel
Gasoline $2.545 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.513
Heating oil $ $2.88 gallon
Diesel $2.8822
Wheat $6.6775 bushel
Orange Juice $1.2345
Corn $4.2725 bushel
Soybeans $1,251.50
Lumber $368.10
10 yr treasury $98.97
Euro $1.3493
Canadian dollar $95.78
Yen $1.0127
Live cattle $132.075
Lean hogs $88.35

Metal complex has been steady, not doing much.
Soft grain commodities trending downward
Oil complex, has really fallen off=gasoline could be going for under $3 a gallon in much of the country by end of month.
I paid $2.99 this morning in Indiana, week ago, it was $2.97 then jumped to $3.29 per gallon and trended back to $2.99 today.
Stocks- trending upward setting new record highs. Anyone in the markets are seeing sizable gains in the portfolio.
Euro is steady, Canadian dollar dropping against the dollar
Ten year is holding steady.
Cattle and hogs staying even not trending anywhere right now.
Lumber market continues a slow steady climb, possibly  signaling a strong construction future.
Looks like November will be  good stock month going into December.

[Value Buy]

November 15th closing prices
Dow 15,961.70
Nasdaq 3,985.97
S&P 500 1,798.18
Russell 2000 1,116.20
Transportation index 7,211.04
Utility index 506.91
Gold $1,287.40 oz
Platinum $1,438.90
Silver $20.727 oz
Copper $3.171
Brent crude $108.50 per barrel
WTI Oil $93.84 per barrel
Gasoline $2.6577 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.66
Heating oil $ $2.94 gallon
Diesel $2.9389
Wheat $6.44.50 bushel
Orange Juice $1.3830
Corn $4.22 bushel
Soybeans $1,280.50
Lumber $363.50
10 yr treasury $100.38
Euro $1.3495
Canadian dollar $95.64
Yen $1.016
Live cattle $133.40
Lean hogs $85.90

Gold and silver dropping as traders still leaving the commodities, but there has been double digit moves in gold many days, up and down.
Brent crude climbed while wti fell, creating almost $15 a barrel differential between the two.
Gasoline and heating oil up in the last 15 days, even with cheaper oil. If you own a refiner, it should be good news for the stock.
OJ up almost fifteen cents in two weeks. Corn and soybeans down from Nov 1st, but probably have bottomed out from their fall. Soybeans were up.
Stocks, what can I say? Dow up 345 points in 15 days.
S&P up 36 points. Utillity index up a little even with higher interest rates.
Dollar slightly stronger against the Canadian dollar and yen, flat against the Euro.
Cattle futures still strong, but lean hogs trailed off a little. Maybe cheaper bacon and ribs this winter!

I have a feeling we might slip in the stock market Monday and Tuesday, with some profit taking.
I see December being good because there are a bunch of major funds that are not matching the performance of the major indexes, and they will do some window dressing to look like they did better than actual performance.

[Value Buy]

For some reason, I have not been able to post my stock and commodity numbers

Three tries, and it keeps saying no message in the body........

December 3rd closing prices
Dow 15,914.62
Nasdaq 4,037.20
S&P 500 1,795.16
Russell 2000 1,123.89
Transportation index 7,184.16
Utility index 487.98
Gold $1,121.70 oz
Platinum $1,356.70
Silver $19.105oz
Copper $3.199
Brent crude $112.60 per barrel
WTI Oil $96.12 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7285 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $3.968
Heating oil $ $3.06 gallon
Diesel $3.063
Wheat $6.5375 bushel
Orange Juice $1.3645
Corn $4.3125 bushel
Soybeans $1,319.75
Lumber $355.00
10 yr treasury $99.771
Euro $1.3591
Canadian dollar $93.87
Yen $1.0239
Live cattle $134.05
Lean hogs $89.10

 Finally got it!

Oil and soft commodities seem to have bottomed out.

Metal complex still weak.

Canadian dollar still falling against the dollar-do not know why, because Euro and yen still strong.

 

[Value Buy]

December 13th closing prices
Dow 15,755.36
Nasdaq 4,000.98
S&P 500 1,775.32
Russell 2000 1,107.05
Transportation index 7,086.43
Utility index 477.81
Gold $1,234.60 oz
Platinum $1,362.90
Silver$19.604 oz
Copper $3.352
Brent crude $108.83 per barrel
WTI Oil$96.90 per barrel
Gasoline $2.6293 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas $4.351
Heating oil $ $2.97 gallon
Diesel $2.9757
Wheat $6.2875 bushel
Orange Juice $1.4445
Corn $4.255 bushel
Soybeans $1,327.50
Lumber $365.90
10 yr treasury $98.99
Euro $1.33710
Canadian dollar $94.40
Yen $1.0319
Live cattle $132.85
Lean hogs $87.175

Stocks have been down for a week, so the last two weeks should be really interesting. Oil futures still sort of weak.

Lumber has picked up steam and oj futures are strong

[Value Buy]

the Dow closes out on record highs for the year.

December 31st closing prices
Dow 16,576.66
Nasdaq 4,176.59
S&P 500 1,848.36
Russell 2000 1,165.57
Transportation index 7,400.57
Utility index 490.57
Gold $1,203.80 oz
Platinum $1,370.60
Silver $19.50 oz
Copper $3.394
Brent crude $110.90 per barrel
WTI Oil$ 98.61 per barrel
Gasoline $2.7908 gallon, NY Harbor
Natural gas  $4.252
Heating oil  $3.07 gallon
Diesel $3.0653 gallon
Wheat  $6.0525 bushel
Orange Juice  $1.3920
Corn $4.22 bushel
Soybeans $1,292.50
Lumber $369.20
10 yr treasury $97.953
Euro $1.33754
Canadian dollar $94.144
Yen $1.05314
Live cattle $134.70
Lean hogs $85.625

Coal    $56.85

The Dow was up 26 1/2 percent for the year, best return in 18 years

S&P 500  was up 28 percent this year, best return in 16 years

Nasdaq was up a rocking 38% for the year, but still not at a record high.

[Value Buy]

December 31st  2012 year end closing prices             December 2013 prices year end

Dow 13,104.14 --                                     --16,576.66
Nasdaq 3,019.51--                                   --4,176.59
S&P 500 1,426.19--                                  --1,848.36
Russell 2000 849.35--                               --1,155.67
Transportation index 5,306.77--                 --7,400.57
Utility index 453.09--                                --490.57
Gold $1,675.80 oz--                                  --1,203.80
Platinum $1,542.40--                                --1,37060
Silver $30.277 oz--                                   --19.50
Copper $3.6525--                                     --3.394
Brent crude $111.27 per barrel--               --110.90
WTI Oil $91.82 per barrel--                       --98.61
Gasoline $2.7617 gallon, NY Harbor--         --2.7908
Natural gas $3.351--                                --4.252
Heating oil $ $3.0318 Gallon --                 --3.07
Wheat $778.00 bushel--                            --605.25
Orange Juice $1.1735--                            --139.20
Corn $6.9825 bushel--                             --4.22
Soybeans $1409.50--                              --1,292.50
Lumber $375.10--                                   --369.20
10 yr treasury $99.28--                           --97.953
Euro $1.3197--                                        --1.3756
Canadian dollar $.992--                            --94.144
Yen $86.72 --                                          --105.314
Live cattle $132.30--                                --134.70
Lean hogs $85.725--                                 --85.625

December 31st  2012 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

[Value Buy]

As we can see stocks were the definite home for investors this year.

Although the commodity markets were up and down unless you were a full time trader in commodities with the time to spend  on it, you might have lost a fortune this year.

Anyone holding gold or silver was hurt, Brent was flat with a year ago, but wti was up on the year, and of course these commodities swayed well above and below their opening and closing numbers for the year

Soft commodities trended downward for the year.

[Value Buy]

From what little reading I have done recently.....

The view is cattle futures will remain at record levels as supply is low, weather in the plains area is terrible and low cattle numbers for future harvesting

Oil/gas complex- they feel will remain weak due to production. I disagree. If the economy is indeed improving demand will increase and will be reflected in rising prices

Natural gas. same thing, view is we are awash in it, but as bus and truck fleets convert to ng, more homes become fitted for ng furnaces, electric utilities still converting to ng because of pollution requirements, we will again see increased demand, raising the price per therm.

Gold and silver- this is one area where I am not sure what will happen this year.

Copper should rise, if economy is growing.

Grain commodities-will be interesting to see what happens with winter wheat this spring. Record cold temperatures could affect the crop, but then again it might be buried under a foot of snow to protect it. Traders may make a play on wheat futures in the coming weeks, raising the future prices considerably.

Interest rates- I cannot figure out where it will wind up. I think the 10 year is way ahead of itself already, but it is possible to see it keep increasing this year.

Could we see 4 to 4 1/2% by year's end? I thought this was not possible, three months ago, but with the large swing already in place, I guess it is possible.

Currencies- Euro is very strong right now. I think the dollar will improve against it this year if the Fed is indeed tightening, as Europe shows no sign of raising rates now.

Stocks- this is my favorite area...... I am looking for maybe 7 to 10% increase for the year.

I might be off a whopping 20%, plus or minus on this.

Any thoughts out there are appreciated.