Soybeans hit six-month high on trade optimism

Soybean futures rose to June 15 highs as the dollar index backed off November 13 highs, following earlier data from the US, the world's largest soybean producer and exporter. 

As of 08:58 GMT, soybean futures due in January rose 0.55% to $9,200, marking six-month highs, while the dollar index shed 0.28% to 97.12 off six-week highs. 

US Inflation Data 

Earlier US data showed consumer prices were unchanged in November as expected, down from October's 0.3% increase. 

Core prices excluding food and energy, rose 0.2% as expected, and also the same as October. 

In an interview with Reuters, President Donald Trump said China is purchasing huge amounts of American soybeans after an earlier meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires, adding the Chinese government has returned the market. 

USDA Data 

The US Department of Agriculture released its report on agricultural supply and demand, maintaining production estimates at 4.6 billion bushels, or 52.1 bushels per acre. 

The USDA reported sales of 890.9 thousand tonnes in the week ending November 29, up 42% from the previous week, and 87% from the four-week average. 

Argentina came at the top with 169.5 thousand tonnes, followed by Indonesia at 149.6 thousand, and Spain at 135.2, with the Netherlands accounting for 135.2 thousand tonnes.