Cotton Crop Report Neutral

A USDA cotton report looks neutral in terms of cotton acreage. Traders have been poring over the report, looking for indications that the cotton crop will get the cold shoulder in lieu of higher priced grains.

I agree - that's what 'should' happen. Though I'm waiting for a breakout (20-day high) in the cotton market before entering.

XMas tree futures?

I say that partially in jest.

According to Agora, Chinese demand for Christmas trees is causing a sudden price run-up in Germany.

Weekly Positions Update - 12/09/07

Date	Position	Qty	Month/Yr	Contract	Entry Price	Last Price	Profit/Loss
11/12/07	Long	1	DEC 07	Australian Dlr	0.8795	0.8765	($300.00)
11/16/07	Long	1	DEC 07	Australian Dlr	0.8850	0.8765	($850.00)
12/07/07	Long	1	MAR 08	Corn	415	417	$100.00
11/09/07	Long	1	MAR 08	Coffee 'C'	126.05	131.00	$1,856.25
11/28/07	Long	1	JAN 08	Rough Rice	13.080	12.955	($250.00)
11/28/07	Long	1	MAR 08	Soybeans	1108	1142	$1,700.00
06/04/07	Long	2	JUL 08	Sugar #11	10.05	10.38	$739.20
08/01/07	Long	1	JUL 08	Sugar #11	10.48	10.38	($112.00)
10/18/06	Long	1	JUL 08	Sugar #11	12.08	10.38	($1,904.00)
Net Profit/Loss On Open Positions:							$979.45

Current Cash Balance	$58,489.60
Open Trade Equity	$979.45
Total Equity	$59,469.05
Long Option Value	$0.00
Short Option Value	$0.00
Net Liquidating Value	$59,469.05

Cashed out: $5,000.00
Total value: $64,469.05

Weekly return: 2.37%

Where's the Beef

It's all going to China! Surprise, surprise.

Nice article detailing what you could probably infer - meat demand in China is increasing rapidly. It's interesting to think about all the downstream ramifications - increased grain and water demands. The beauty of a true bull market!

Back in the USSR

I've been all fired up the last couple days about Comrade Paulson's housing bailout - Paulie, are you kidding me???

Instead of ranting and raving myself (it could get out of hand), here's a roll call of the excellent articles I've read this week putting the plan in perspective (a very scary perspective if you believe in freedom and free markets). Best enjoyed with a warm glass of whiskey.

God help us all.

• Agora's Eric Fry (one of my favorite financial columnists)
  
• Motley Fool's Seth Jayson (excellent article and analysis)
• Secrets of Traders' Larry