Brian Wittal

June 15 — It was a very down day all around. The U.S. dollar rose over a full cent, which sent financial markets into negative territory with triple-digit losses. However, the drop in the Canadian dollar today did help to temper canola losses. The Canadian dollar closed down 1.2 cents at US88.21 cents. The Dow […] Read more

June 12 — The U.S. financial markets have ended the week mixed to down, with no real news to focus the markets either way. The U.S. dollar has jumped 0.7 cents today, which has tempered any optimism in the financial sector to end up the week. Uncertainty in the markets led to profit-taking in crude […] Read more

June 11 — The U.S. financial markets have found some renewed interest today. The U.S. dollar was down, the Canadian dollar was up almost a full cent and crude oil was also up. The Dow Jones June quote closed up 56 points today at 8,810, while the Canadian dollar closed up 0.98 cents at US91.11 […] Read more

June 10 — The U.S. financial markets continue to lose momentum slowly as little new news comes out to help markets push forward. The Dow Jones June quote closed down 27 points today at 8,715, while the Canadian dollar closed down 0.78 cents at US90.13 cents. Crude oil finished up $1.32, closing at US$71.33 per […] Read more

June 9 — U.S. financial markets were mixed again today but the U.S. dollar fell over a full cent, which certainly brought some interest back into the grains from a buyer’s perspective. The Canadian dollar closed up 1.46 cents at US90.91 cents today. This held canola back from making any gains even though a loss […] Read more

June 8 — U.S. financial markets were mixed today with limited movement as the U.S. dollar continues to rise. The Canadian dollar closed up 0.04 cents at US89.45 cents today. The Dow Jones June quote closed down 14 points today, at 8,755. Crude oil finished down 72 cents, closing at US$68.09 per barrel. Corn finished […] Read more

REVISED, June 5 — The U.S. dollar jumped up strong on better-than-expected employment figures released today. Financial and energy markets held steady to finish the week. The Canadian dollar closed 1.76 cents lower at US89.41 cents today — down two cents for the week. The Dow Jones June quote closed up 39 points today, at […] Read more

June 4 — Financial markets and energy markets rebounded today and helped to establish a positive mood for the rest of the markets to follow. The weather for the coming weekend is seen as mixed and helped to support grains and allowed them to regain some of yesterday’s heavy losses that most traders felt were […] Read more

June 3 — Financial markets were under pressure in overnight trade and it carried on into the day trade. The U.S. dollar was up almost a full cent and this put pressure on grain futures and led to some large limit-down losses. Profit-taking was very evident as funds decided to take the money and run. […] Read more

Our online grain markets columnist Brian Wittal welcomes feedback and information on market conditions in your area, such as current offering prices, basis levels, trucking premiums and special crops contracts. Contact Brian today. June 2 — Financial markets were quiet today with limited activity but at least they were able to stay on the positive […] Read more