Let's say most people, including myself, have a cup of Joe when they wake up. Coffee prices are lower by 23% year to date.
After a couple of cups of coffee, let's get some vitamin C in our system and why not eat a bowl of Corn Flakes? FCOJ prices are lower by 23% in 2012, but well above their 2008 lows when prices were almost half the current price. Jumping over to the grains, CBOT wheat prices are higher by 23%, while corn prices have appreciated 31%. For what it is worth, I think grain prices will see further depreciation. Just maybe our cereal and loaves of bread will see price declines in the weeks/months to come.
After a hearty breakfast, let's put some clothes on and get ready for a big day. Cotton prices year to date are lower by 17% at current pricing, but the dramatic swings are a bigger story. In 2012, high-to-low cotton prices have traded as high as 97 cents and as low as 65 cents. The current price is 73.
In order to tell time, I know we could use our iPhone 5, but let's actually wear our gold watch. The decade-long bull market lives with gold prices up 10% year to date.
At these prices it may make sense to ride our bicycle or walk, but we're late for a meeting and need to drive an SUV. At 13 miles per gallon it's painful, but the fold-down back seat is sure great. RBOB gasoline prices are up 14% from the first of the year. We did get some relief in the spring, but just since June prices have appreciated 35%.
After a long day at work nothing satisfies me like a big juicy steak. Live cattle prices are less than 1% off their prices at the New Year. But the beef market has not been sideways, with a 15-cent trading range year to date. At current levels I'm looking for a selling opportunity. When that happens, let's stock up on Prime beef at Costco.
