Soybeans were the highlight of the CBOT/CME sessions today, leading the way higher amid a sea of otherwise red prices. Corn and wheat futures were lower on profit taking and improved U.S. weather outlooks while the livestock complex was weaker in narrow trading. Volatility continues to reign in the U.S. equity markets with the Down and S&P 500 both down sharply early today but up ¼ to 1/3 of a percent right now. The CBOE’s VIX index is down 1.4% as of this writing and the Wall Street Journal reports U.S. regulators are investigating whether the VIX index may have been manipulated during the latest round of market chaos. COMEX gold futures are $2-3 higher while the dollar is 37 points lower and back under 90. Crude oi...
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.