AUSTRALIAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

Comment

A small national volume and mixed reports coming from China added to more confusion leading into the sale. Prices were expected to open strongly and they did. Typically though, with supply as limited as it is, the market is reacting with more volatility than we would have expected in the past. This eventually added more confusion and prices settled in Fremantle on Thursday. The Fremantle and Melbourne auction centres don’t have the volume of typical Italian weaver types and we’re finding that these types are not moving with such volatility. Interest and demand for wool types that meet Authentico standards are attracting more consistent competition and these types were least affected. Of particular note was the best 15.5/16.0 micron range of Authentico types. Those with good style and specification attracted strong competition from a range of Italian interests.

AWEX Eastern Indicator compared with 20/09/2019

Eastern Indicator

Close: 1609

Change in % +4.34

If you want to learn more about AWEX indicators, visit the official website http://www.awex.com.au

Authentico Index Values

15 Micron

Close: 2513

Change in %: +1.17

16 Micron

Close: 2338

Change in %: +4.42

17 Micron

Close: 2184

Change in %: +2.13

18 Micron

Close: 2069

Change in %: +1.27

19 Micron

Close: 2004

Change in %: +3.73

Authentico Indicator

Close: 2195

Change in %: +2.38

Forecast

With prices in Fremantle settling below the close of Sydney and Melbourne and an increase to 40,000 bales next week, we could expect a softer opening tone. Growers will likely exercise their option to reserve their wool at a minimum price and if bidding doesn’t get to those levels, they are likely to keep it for another week. This is what they’ve done quite well in recent weeks. Our policy to maintain a steady and sensible approach to buying and selling will continue. None of us are able to accurately predict the top or bottom of this market with such volatility.

Auction offering – current week

Selling Centres for week 13

Market          Sale          Offered             Sold       Passed In

North                    S 13                       7184                          6983                  2.8%

South                   M 13                      13525                        12979                 4.0%

West                     F 13                        6749                          5422                 19.7%

Auction offering – next week

Market          Sale          Sale days          Volume

North                      S 14                        W-T                           10464

South                      M 14                       W-T                           21758

West                        F 14                        W-T                            8777

 

If you want to see the complete Wool Sales Roster click here.