Grains trade quietly at the start of winter with prices still facing general pressure from bearish supply-side fundamentals. South American weather is an ongoing market focus, but conditions there are favorable enough to stifle related buying enthusiasm.

The grain market also remains dull in part because traders are finding excitement in outside markets. The promise of action in stock, bond and currency markets is keeping money flowing in those exchanges while keeping it out of the grain space.  

Calendar year 2017 is ending with a bang as Republican...