Crops can be traded on the futures market before they are
harvested. If a poor corn harvest is predicted, prices of
corn futures rise; if a bountiful corn harvest is predicted,
prices of corn futures fall. This morning meteorologists are
predicting much-needed rain for the corn-growing region
starting tomorrow. Therefore, since adequate moisture is
essential for the current crop’s survival, prices of corn
futures will fall sharply today.
Which of the following, if true, most weakens the
argument above?
(A) Corn that does not receive adequate moisture
during its critical pollination stage will not
produce a bountiful harvest.
(B) Futures prices for corn have been fluctuating
more dramatically this season than last season.
(C) The rain that meteorologists predicted for
tomorrow is expected to extend well beyond
the corn-growing region.
(D) Agriculture experts announced today that a
disease that has devastated some of the corn
crop will spread widely before the end of the
growing season.
(E) Most people who trade in corn futures rarely
take physical possession of the corn they trade.
