Macroeconomic Trends Food Inflation Falls in August, Remains Above 10 Percent Following a 2.2 percent increase in July, food prices fell in August to an annualized growth rate of 11.2 percent. That marked the 13th consecutive month that the cost of food in China has risen year-on-year by 10 percent or more. Food prices have not had this level of sustained growth since the 2007/2008 period. Retail pork prices softened in August after a sharp run in July, as the average consumer price rose by 52.6 percent compared to August 2019. Other categories seeing significant upticks included vegetables with a growth of 11.7 percent, cooking oil up 6.4 percent, and dairy products rising 1.2 percent. In contrast, the average retail prices for fresh f...
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
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.