Of course, we don't know how the bird flu situation will turn out. But, I see no strong reasons we won't see a three to four dollar (per hundredweight) seasonal cattle rally in the first quarter.

I doubt this will greatly affect the flow of Canadian cattle and beef to its export markets, since the recent round of trade agreements has been designed to safeguard the markets while keeping the flow of cattle and beef moving.

I think it was mostly upward momentum carrying over from the New York session.

The gold market is basically struggling to decisively overcome the $600 level. Until we see that, we may see some indecision on the part of traders on how to handle the market.

Later reports suggested they (Saudi forces) foiled the (attack) attempt, but you still have crude oil up over $2 a barrel.

It's very simple. The energy market was up real strongly. That's part of it, as people consistently make the link between crude oil prices, inflation and gold.