Farmer sentiment darkens as commodity prices weaken
Just as the spring rally in futures prices brightened farmers' outlook, the summer slump in corn and soybean prices pulled down sharply on the Ag Economy Barometer, say Purdue economists. The monthly survey of producer sentiment fell by 17 points in August for a reading of 95, the lowest since the end of winter.
Computerized trading silences the ‘open outcry’ pits again
A year after it closed most of its futures-trading pits in Chicago and New York, CME Group said it will close option pits in New York "as computerized trading claims another victim from the world's old-school financial system," said Reuters.
CME shortens livestock trading hours, eliminates idle time
The operator of the Chicago livestock futures and options exchanges said it would shorten the trading day effective Feb. 29 to the period when trading volume is heaviest and the markets have their greatest liquidity.
CME Group will close most of its futures trading pits
CME Group, the operator of futures markets in Chicago and New York, said it will close most of its open outcry futures trading pits by July 2.