Corn Market News: Modest Losses Post Holiday Trading

NotFinancialAdviser · 2026-02-19T13:00:51+00:00

Corn futures declined in a holiday-shortened trading session, with mixed signals across contracts. March corn gained 6¼ cents amid thin trading volume, while the national average cash price fell to $4.06¾, influenced by crude oil's decline. Key reports are expected next week, affecting future market dynamics.

NotFinancialAdviser

2026-02-19 13:00:51

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Corn futures wrapped up a shortened trading session with modest declines across the board as holiday-thinned markets took a breath. The nearby contracts saw fractional losses, while March corn bucked the trend with a gain of 6¼ cents. The national average cash corn price, tracked by CmdtyView, dipped a penny to settle at $4.06¾. The weakness in corn drew partial support from crude oil markets, which tumbled $1.45 per barrel during the session.

Corn Futures Price Action

The extended corn complex showed mixed signals despite the overall bearish sentiment. March corn futures closed the session at $4.50, down 1 cent from the prior close, while the nearby cash corn level matched at $4.06¾, also down a penny. May corn contracts fared slightly worse, dropping ¾ cent to finish at $4.58¼, and July corn retreated ¼ cent to land at $4.64¼. The relatively thin volume during this shortened trading window following the holiday likely contributed to the outsized moves relative to actual price changes.

Market Drivers and Holiday Effects

The spillover pressure from crude oil’s significant decline played a meaningful role in the corn complex’s performance, given the linkages between energy markets and agricultural commodity prices. The unusually light trading activity—typical after extended holidays—meant that routine position adjustments had a more pronounced impact on price discovery. Holiday-shortened sessions historically see reduced institutional participation, allowing smaller order flows to move prices more noticeably.

Upcoming Data Points for Corn Traders

Market participants should mark their calendars for the week ahead, as several key reports are on deck after being delayed by holiday closures. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) release is scheduled for Monday, providing crucial insights into energy supply dynamics that influence crude oil and, by extension, corn markets. The Export Sales report for the week ending December 18 is set for Wednesday release, offering critical data on U.S. grain export activity that directly impacts corn demand outlook.

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