Softs

Lack of Demand Hurting Cocoa

Posted 02/21/2019 9:30AM CTPeter Mooses

The cocoa futures market began 2019 on a down note. Global uncertainty, political issues, trade talks and volatility in the currencies and equities added pressure to the soft. With demand concerns looming and production numbers coming in off estimates – it appeared that cocoa would have an uneasy Q1.

So far in February, cocoa saw a bit of a turnaround. Unfortunately, the potential lack of demand in Europe has hurt prices of late. On pullbacks, it appears the bulls are still tempted to go long, but as resistance is hit, 2360, any small rally has failed. 2280 also appeared to be a level of resistance but was able to be broken. Support has stayed around 2240, attracting buyers at that level.

As we close out February next week and all traders focus on the May futures contract in cocoa, follow the technicals for guidance as the fundamentals have been repetitive. A stronger pound and euro versus the dollar is worth monitoring too, this indicator could show us if demand could increase in key regions that impact cocoa costs.

Cocoa May ’19 Daily Chart

Cocoa Mar '19 Daily Chart

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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.