Chicago grain futures closed mixed on Thursday, with wheat gaining ground while corn and soybeans finished slightly lower. September corn fell 3 1/4 cents to $4.45 3/4 per bushel after trading between $4.45 1/4 and $4.52 1/2, while December corn also declined 3 1/4 cents to $4.68 1/2. November soybeans eased 4 cents to $11.88 3/4 after ranging from $11.84 1/4 to $11.98 1/2, reflecting a cautious tone as traders continued to weigh improving crop conditions and comfortable supply expectations.
Wheat provided the firmer note across the grain complex. September Chicago wheat gained 2 3/4 cents to settle at $6.63 1/2 after trading as high as $6.86 1/2, while July 2027 wheat rose 5 1/4 cents to $7.00 1/2. Minneapolis spring wheat also strengthened, with September gaining 6 1/2 cents to $7.11 1/2 and September 2027 edging 1/2 cent higher to $7.44. The stronger wheat close suggested renewed buying interest after recent weakness, while corn and soybeans remained constrained by generally favourable U.S. crop prospects.
