Softs

Coronavirus Continues to Weaken Demand for Cocoa/Chocolate

Posted 06/19/2020 7:48AM CTPeter Mooses

Cocoa futures have been one of the commodities has that been a good indicator of where people are at as far as getting back to “normal.” Chocolate companies have suffered as lockdowns and closures have slowed demand for cocoa. As “entertainment” activities are no longer part of everyone’s routine, goods like chocolate are not being sold at big venues (concerts, sporting events, shows) and people have moved their expenses from luxury purchases to necessities with all the unknowns in our current world.

Before this recent move lower, September cocoa had consolidated and been somewhat range bound as states and countries attempted to reopen. As cases of covid-19 start to climb in certain areas that have reopened, the markets are starting to move lower again, reflecting the current mindset of consumers. It appears this could be a longer-term trend in cocoa, possible 6 months to a year out.

Technically, the bottom appears to be around 2210, this will be tested in the coming weeks if no changes occur to the demand for cocoa.

Cocoa Sep ’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.