Softs

Cocoa Futures Follow Global Equity Markets

Posted 03/26/2020 8:20AM CTPeter Mooses

Cocoa futures have been weakened by demand and the global equity markets. As the U.S. and European markets moved higher for back to back sessions for the first time since February, cocoa tried to bounce off a potential bottom in the May contract. Global restrictions and stoppage of work in key regions for cocoa have added to the pressure the market has been feeling. An uncertainty of when certain restrictions will be lifted should cause volatility in the coming weeks. The safety and health of the world is the main concern of everyone and recovery in the markets will occur when limits are lifted at the proper time. For cocoa specifically, any disruption to cocoa operations and exports will affect prices in the short-term. As with all commodities, the supply chain is key right now.

From a technical standpoint, 2300 is resistance, while 2250 is short-term support. Prices that we saw at the end of February should be back once the coronavirus is under control and numbers plateau but in the meantime, the soft markets are weak and vulnerable.

Cocoa May ’20 Daily Chart

Peter Mooses

Follow Peter on Twitter @PMoosesRJO. Peter's interest in trading began during a college internship with Bunge North America on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade, where he assisted commodities traders and performed market research and analysis. Upon earning a B.A. in economics from the University of Iowa, Peter served as an analyst, transaction manager and team lead in the Global Trust Divisions for LaSalle Bank and Bank of America, where he managed transaction activity in multi-million dollar client fixed income and asset-backed securities portfolios. After years in the banking industry, it became apparent that Peter's real passion lies in futures trading. He joined RJO Futures because he enjoys the analytical aspects of futures trading and appreciates the economic impact that commodities have across all markets. Peter believes in utilizing market analysis and trends to help clients achieve balance between risk and return, while always keeping their investment objectives top of mind.