Market Mixed on Friday the 13th | Livestock

As investors, we often find ourselves torn between the thrill of high-risk, high-reward investments and the comfort of stable, predictable returns. While some may be drawn to the excitement of options and volatile stocks, others, like myself, prefer the reliability of "boring but lucrative" investments. Today, let's explore the market's mixed performance on Friday the 13th and delve into the livestock sector's recent trends.



Friday the 13th has historically been a lucky day for the stock market, with the S&P 500 averaging a gain of 0.40% on these days since 1999. However, this average is skewed by a 9.3% gain on March 13, 2020. Excluding this outlier, the average gain drops to 0.15%, still higher than the average for all days. This phenomenon could be attributed to investors' superstitions or a tendency to buy on perceived lucky days, driving up prices.



Now, let's turn our attention to the livestock sector, specifically cattle and beef. Market trends have been positive, with beef production expected to rise in 2024 and 2025, supported by firm demand and a faster pace of marketings. Cattle prices are also forecasted to rise due to tight supplies and strong demand. This positive outlook in the livestock sector may contribute to the overall market gains on Friday the 13th.



Don Close, executive head emeritus of Terrain, recently shared insights on cattle market trends for 2024 and 2025. He believes that the market still has room to the top side, with demand holding up incredibly well despite the summer market testing the market. The all-beef fresh price continues to push into record territory, and consumers have not yet backed off. While beef prices have adjusted slightly, they remain competitive with other proteins in the grocery store.

In conclusion, while Friday the 13th has historically been a lucky day for the stock market, the performance varies across sectors and international markets. The livestock sector, particularly cattle and beef, has shown positive trends, with rising production and firm demand driving up prices. As investors, we should remain focused on stable, predictable investments that offer consistent returns without unnecessary excitement or risk. By favoring "boring but lucrative" stocks, we can build a balanced portfolio that prioritizes long-term reliability over short-term thrills.