DTN Closing Livestock Comment 03/28 15:38

DTN Closing Livestock Comment 03/28 15:38 Hog Futures End Limit Down Thursday Lean hog futures ended $3 per cwt lower Thursday on concerns China might not continue to buy U.S. pork, as well as emotional weakness following recent gains. Cattle trade remained sluggish with prices settling narrowly mixed. By Rick Kment DTN Analyst GENERAL COMMENTS: Lean hog futures closed the limit $3 per cwt lower Thursday, which will trigger expanded trading limits Friday. The volatile moves in the hog market over the last two weeks could spark wide price shifts. Cash cattle markets were generally undeveloped Thursday following Wednesday's light-to-moderate trade in all areas. The overall numbers sold appear to be light, with some additional movement likely Friday. Bids Thursday were in a similar range as Wednesday, unable to gain additional traction as feeders seem comfortable holding out on unsold cattle until bids improve or will hold cattle over until early April. The National Daily Direct afternoon hog report was $0.37 higher ($66-$78, weighted average $75.36) on 7,687 head sold. Corn futures were higher in light activity with May up 1/4 cent per bushel. The Dow Jones Index was 98 points higher with the Nasdaq up 25 points.