World Perspectives
feed-grains soy-oilseeds livestock

China In-Country Analysis

Macroeconomic Trends China’s Economic Slowdown Hits Food and Agricultural Sectors After increases in the cost of food exceeded 3 percent during September and October, food inflation in China retreated to 2.5 percent for both November and December. According to data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the cost of food rose 1.9 percent for all of 2018 compared with 2017, and the consumer price index climbed 2.1 percent. While lower food inflation would be a welcome sign for consumers in years when the economy is thriving, such a development in the fourth quarter of 2018 instead reflects an economy in contraction. With China’s central government announcing gross domestic product (GDP) growth of just 6.6 percent last...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.445/bushel, up $0.04 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.0775/bushel, up $0.015 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $10.5225/bushel, down $0.06 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soymeal closed at $298.4/short ton, up $0.2 from...

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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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