CBOT wheat ends mixed as Black Sea supply worries rile markets

Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures ended mixed on Thursday as early strength stemming from Black Sea export worries faded after Ukraine sent Russia an offer aimed at halting attacks on grain vessels and ports.

• Ukraine's offer sent to Russia suggested they both halt attacks on civilian targets in the Black Sea. The offer was transmitted by Kyiv via a third party, and Ukraine was still waiting for a response, the source who is familiar with the matter told Reuters.
• Russia struck Ukraine's largest grain export port on the Danube on Thursday, causing damage and starting a fire, authorities said.
• Russia will have to further cut grain exports this month after halting loadings at its main ports on the Black and Azov seas, with another terminal announcing on Thursday that it had suspended operations.
• The Department of Agriculture reported net export sales of U.S. wheat in the week ended August 6 at 255,900 metric tons, in line with trade expectations for 200,000 to 500,000 tons.
• CBOT September soft red winter wheat WU26 futures ended unchanged at $6.52-3/4 a bushel after earlier touching a two-week high of $6.65.
• K.C. September hard red winter wheat KWU26 last traded 1/4 cent higher at $7.21 a bushel, while Minneapolis September spring wheat MWEU26 fell 5-1/4 cents to $6.69-1/4 a bushel.