Live Cattle futures closed moderately lower ahead of inventory data. 1/29/26

Live Cattle futures finished the session with moderate losses as market participants adjusted positions ahead of the bi-annual USDA Cattle Inventory report scheduled for release on Friday afternoon. April Live Cattle futures closed lower, even as weekly export sales data for beef arrived above average at 16,893 MT. Traders are monitoring the upcoming report for insights into potential herd rebuilding and total inventory levels following recent slaughter trends. The market remains focused on supply-side data as cash trade begins to develop for the week.