The change in the exchange rate relative to the dollar is currently greatest for the Brazilian real and the Argentine peso. The only other currency that comes even close is the Russian ruble. Relative currency valuation is a major factor in export competitiveness. The U.S., Argentina and Brazil have roughly the same trade to GDP ratios, but Latin American exports are about six times more sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations than those from the U.S. due to the latter’s role as a reserve currency. Farmers in Argentina and Brazil are taking advantage of the outsized lower value of the national currencies by forward selling their production. One impact of this surge in exports is an increase in U.S. carryover stocks relative to...
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.