Core Insights - Soybean futures are experiencing gains, with nearby contracts up by 4 to 5 cents and closing up 15 to 18 cents as traders return from holiday markets [1] - China has purchased 10 cargoes of US soybeans for shipment between March and May [2] - Export inspections show soybean shipments at 980,518 MT for the week ending on New Year's Day, a 24.3% increase from the previous week but a 26.7% decrease year-over-year [3] - Export sales for the week ending December 25 were reported at 1.178 MMT, exceeding previous week figures and more than double the same week last year [4] - Speculative traders have reduced their net long positions in soybean futures by 25,841 contracts, bringing the total to 84,562 contracts [5] Group 1: Market Performance - Soybean futures are up, with January 26 closing at $10.47 1/4, March 26 at $10.62, and May 26 at $10.74 1/4, all showing increases [5] - The national average cash bean price rose by 17 1/4 cents to $9.87 1/4 [1] Group 2: Export Activity - China remains the top destination for soybean exports, receiving 397,069 MT, followed by Egypt with 182,553 MT and Taiwan with 74,996 MT [3] - Marketing year shipments have totaled 16.4 MMT, reflecting a 45.3% year-over-year decline [3] Group 3: Speculative Trading - CFTC data indicates a reduction in net long positions among spec traders, suggesting a shift in market sentiment [5]

Group 1: Cotton Market Performance - Cotton futures experienced a strong trading session, closing 40 to 45 points higher [1] - The Tuesday Export Sales report indicated a marketing year high of 304,689 RB of cotton sold for the week of December 11, marking the largest sales since February [1] - Shipments improved to 134,371 RB, reaching a 5-week high [1] Group 2: Futures and Options Data - The CFTC's updated commitment of Traders report revealed an addition of 180 contracts to the managed money net short position in cotton futures and options, resulting in a net short of 54,833 contracts for the week of December 16 [2] Group 3: Auction and Price Updates - The online auction from The Seam on December 22 recorded sales of 12,794 bales at an average price of 59.15 cents per pound [3] - The Cotlook A Index increased by 40 points to 73.70 cents on December 22 [3] - ICE certified cotton stocks decreased by 796 bales, with the current certified stocks level at 11,600 bales [3] - The Adjusted World Price was updated to 49.99 cents per pound, reflecting a 40-point drop from the previous week [3] - March 26 Cotton closed at 64.01, up 40 points; May 26 Cotton closed at 65.2, up 42 points; July 26 Cotton closed at 66.27, up 42 points [3]