Options Desk Manager:
Seraphina Gold
“The Queen of Odds”
Key Expectations for upcoming COF Report 12.19.25
- Placements Likely Higher Year-over-Year
- Recent feed cost trends (corn softening) and mild weather have encouraged early placements.
- Many analysts anticipate placements up 3–6% YoY, which could add bearish weight to feeder futures.
- On-Feed Inventory Slightly Above Last Year
- November typically sees a seasonal uptick in on-feed numbers.
- If inventory comes in above expectations, it reinforces supply pressure into Q1.
- Marketings Could Be Flat or Slightly Lower
- Slower packer demand and holiday scheduling often temper marketing pace.
- If marketing is weaker than expected, it adds to the backlog narrative.
Implications for Price Action
- Feeder Futures: Already showing weakness across deferred months; a bearish COF report could accelerate downside toward technical supports (Jan near 336–334, Mar near 331–332).
- Live Cattle: May hold better if beef demand remains firm, but heavy placements will weigh on deferred contracts.
- Basis: Cash strength vs futures weakness could persist short-term, but if report confirms heavy placements, cash may soften post-holidays.
My Bias: Slightly bearish heading into the report, given:
- Futures closed near lows Friday.
- Heavy open interest in Jan/Mar suggests traders are bracing for negative surprises.
- Seasonal pattern favors higher placements in November.
Market Setup
- Cash Market/Feeder Index: Strong at 346.770, widening basis vs futures.
- Futures: Broad weakness Friday; Jan ’26 closed 339.100 (-4.300) near support 339.000.
- Liquidity: Concentrated in Jan & Mar; heavy open interest suggests volatility risk.
COF Expectations
- Placements: Likely up 3–6% YoY (lower feed costs, mild weather).
- On-Feed Inventory: Slightly above last year.
- Marketings: Flat to slightly lower (holiday scheduling).
Scenario Table
| Scenario | COF Outcome | Price Impact (Jan ’26) |
|---|---|---|
| Bullish | Placements flat/down | Bounce toward 344–346 |
| Neutral | Placements +2–3% | Range 339–342 |
| Bearish | Placements +5% or more | Break 339 → t |
Price Risk Zones
- Jan ’26 (GFF26):
- Support: 339.000 → 336.500 → 334.500
- Resistance: 342.000 → 344.925
- Mar ’26 (GFH26):
- Support: 333.925 → 331.000
- Resistance: 337.000 → 339.175
Actionable Takeaways
- Protective puts/collars recommended for long feeders.
- Watch early-week cash bids and spread action for directional clues.
- Expect volatility spike post-report if placements surprise higher
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