Soybeans Post Friday Gains

Group 1: Soybean Market Performance - Soybeans experienced stronger trading, with front months closing 3 to 4 cents higher, and March up a dime this week [1] - The national average Cash Bean price increased by 3 3/4 cents to $9.98 ¾, while soymeal futures rose by $9.90 this week [1] - Soy Oil futures saw an increase of 5 to 21 points, with March up 138 points since last Friday [1] Group 2: Export Sales Data - Export Sales data indicated a marketing year high in soybean sales at 2.45 MMT for the week of 1/15, which is 18.6% higher than the previous week and 63.97% larger than the same week last year [2] - China was the largest buyer, purchasing 1.304 MMT, followed by unknown destinations at 338,300 MT and Egypt at 218,300 MT [2] Group 3: Soybean Meal and Oil Sales - Soybean meal sales reached 412,671 MT, exceeding estimates of 200,000 to 500,000 MT for that week [3] - Soybean oil sales were recorded at 10,499 MT, falling within the lower half of the 5,000-25,000 MT estimates [3] Group 4: Speculative Trading Activity - CFTC data showed that spec traders in soybean futures and options reduced their net long positions by 2,901 contracts, bringing the total to 10,060 contracts as of Tuesday [3]