World Perspectives

15 Percent and Certainty; Purity Tests; Cherry Picking Cherries

15 Percent and Certainty The U.S. trade agreement with Japan announced late yesterday was likely Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s final act. Financial markets reacted positively since the deal at least brings certainty. The surprise concession to 15 percent tariffs now sets a baseline that may or may not inform any transatlantic agreement. The deal supposedly includes a commitment to $550 billion in Japanese investment in the U.S., the purchase of 100 Boeing airplanes, defense purchases and $8 billion in agricultural purchases. Japan will increase the U.S. share of the 770 KMT rice import quota. There are missing details and a lack of confirmation by Japan but Ishiba’s party lost in last Sunday’s election despite his pledge...

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Trump Calls for Meat Packing Anti-Trust Investigation

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.2975/bushel, up $0.025 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.3575/bushel, up $0.08 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.3/bushel, up $0.13 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $320/short ton, up $2.9 from yester...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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