DTN Early Word Opening Livestock       11/18 06:35
   Slow Start to the Week Expected

   Live cattle held up well on Friday, but the market may have run out of steam
for the time being.

By Robin Schmahl
DTN Dairy Analyst



Cattle: Steady   Futures: Mixed   Live Equiv:   N/A
Hogs: Steady to 50 cents lower. Futures: Mixed   Lean Equiv:  N/A

* based on formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer revenue
** based on formula estimating lean hog equivalent of gross packer revenue

GENERAL COMMENTS:

   Live cattle held up well on Friday, but the market may have run out of steam
for the time being. Fundamentals do not seem to support a continuation of the
uptrend that had been evident for two months. Lower boxed beef prices on Friday
may keep packers hesitant to step into the market early this week. As usual,
business is not expected until later in the week once a few days of futures
trading and cutout values are under the belt. Show lists are not expected to be
distributed yet today. Futures charts look more like the market may be
developing a sideways trading pattern which could keep cash steady at best.