How do live cattle futures prices work?

In a live cattle contract, a 1-cent move is equal to $4. When determining CME’s live cattle profit and loss figures, the difference is calculated between the contract price and the exit price, the result is then multiplied by $4.00. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease, can impact live cattle futures prices.

When are live cattle futures delivered?

Live cattle futures are delivered every year in February, April, June, August, October and December. In a live cattle contract, a 1-cent move is equal to $4. When determining CME’s live cattle profit and loss figures, the difference is calculated between the contract price and the exit price, the result is then multiplied by $4.00.

What is a live cattle futures contract?

Live cattle is a type of futures contract that can be used to hedge and to speculate on fed cattle prices. Cattle producers, feedlot operators, and merchant exporters can hedge future selling prices for cattle through trading live cattle futures, and such trading is a common part of a producer's price risk management program.