Global beef trade dynamics are enhancing export premiums, offering upside risk for Barchart cattle futures if trade disputes remain minimal. Market projections lean toward modest gains. The weekly Commitment of Traders report from CFTC showed spec traders in live cattle futures and options trimming back their net long position by 2,844 contracts to 124,903 contracts as of Tuesday. In feeder cattle, the net long position continues to dwindle down, last week by 1,564 contracts to 24,327 contracts, as the number of outright longs dropped to the lowest since April, with the number of outright shorts the highest since last November. Live cattle futures are showing trade on either side of unchanged, with contracts 50 cents higher to 30 cents lower. The Wednesday morning Fed Cattle Exchange showed no sales on the 2,552 head listed, with a few bids of $232. Feeder cattle futures are mixed so far on Wednesday with contracts down 12 to 62 cents in the front months and higher in some deferreds. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back down $2.28 at $365.33 on September 29. Live cattle futures on Barchart have held a steady uptrend since early June, supported by firmer slaughter rates. Analysts suggest a short-term target near $184 if demand for prime cuts persists through summer grilling season.