Initial unemployment claims topped 1 million for the second week in a row after previously declining below that psychological line. Total initial claims were 1,006,000, which was still almost 9 percent lower than the week before but not as good as had been hoped for a couple of weeks ago. This provides the backdrop to the next round of COVID relief as the election nears. Right now, the Democratic leadership in the House and the Republican leadership in the Senate along with the White House are at a complete stalemate. The House has already passed a $3.4 trillion bill; the Senate has unveiled a $1.1 trillion bill. The Senate says the House bill is too much; the House says the Senate bill is too little. So, the House leadership pared down t...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.