DTN Closing Livestock Comment 08/15 15:36

DTN Closing Livestock Comment 08/15 15:36 Livestock Futures Close Mixed Livestock markets saw strong gains most of Thursday's trading session, but ended mixed after late-day selling developed. Volume is expected to be limited Friday, which could lead to increased volatility. By Rick Kment DTN Analyst GENERAL COMMENTS: Livestock futures were unable to hold on to strong gains seen early Thursday. By closing bell, live cattle futures closed mixed, while lean hog futures eroded in last-minute trade. The cattle complex continues to remain oversold, but most traders are staying on the sidelines following the wide swings over the last week. Cash cattle trade remains quiet following light-to-moderate trade in the South on Wednesday at $105 per cwt. This is generally $5 per cwt lower than last week's levels. A few scattered bids are seen through the day at $105 live in the South and $170 per cwt dressed in the North. It appears that any additional trade will hold out until Friday. It is uncertain whether feeders will unload cattle at current bids or be willing to carry larger showlists into next week. Most asking prices are seen at $107 and higher in the South and $175 in the North. The National Daily Direct afternoon hog report was $1.08 lower ($61 to $73.75, weighted average $71.25) on 9,786 head sold. Corn futures bounced higher in limited late-day buying with September up 1 3/4 cents. Stock markets are mixed in light trade with the Dow is 67 points higher and the NASDAQ down 6 points.