US barbecues in dead of winter draw hedge funds to cattle trade

Chicago

SO much for the winter blues. It's been so balmy across parts of the US that Americans have been firing up their grills at a time that's usually better suited to sipping hot cocoa.

US consumers, buoyed by optimism about the economy as well as record warm temperatures in February, have been buying up burgers like it's summertime. Beef is on a roll, with wholesale prices rallying to their highest since July. It's surprising since the usual time for outdoor barbecues typically kicks off closer to May.