US: Lean hog futures hit one-week low - CME

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) lean hog futures fell to their lowest level in more than a week on Tuesday as profit-taking extended the market's setback from contract highs last week, Reuters reported, citing analysts. US pork belly values also weakened following recent gains. The futures market was due for a setback after soaring about 38% from mid-July to the beginning of November as US hog supplies looked tighter than expected, analysts said. Prices may be nearing a top, although it is not confirmed that the market has peaked, they said. CME December lean hog futures dropped 2.1 cents to finish at 81.125 cents per pound. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) quoted the wholesale pork carcass cutout at $101.43 per hundredweight (cwt), which was down $2.58. Belly values sank $6.28 and hams lost $2.65. Traders are keeping an eye on how Tuesday's US presidential election affects the Mexican peso, as Mexico is a major export market for US hams and a stronger peso could support ...