Futures File: Cattle stampede, win upward race

Live cattle and feeder cattle futures posted the largest gains among actively traded U.S. commodity markets, outpacing vegetable proteins and hogs. The column links the rise to tight cattle supplies, as ranchers are reluctant to expand herds while selling valuable heifers. Higher prices could eventually discourage U.S. consumers from buying beef, while a recession or fears of one could also trigger a decline.