World Perspectives

COVID-19 Calculations; Trade Policy Shorts

COVID-19 Calculations Equities have now plunged two days in a row over the coronavirus, but commodities fought back today rather than overreact. The COVID-19 virus is said to have put Italy close to recession, though German businesses are said to still be positive. That is the problem with current risk calculations – the WHO says infections have plateaued in China and it is still not a global pandemic, but that one cannot be ruled out.  The economic impact is being felt. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin says China will still meet its Phase One purchasing commitments, but Goldman Sachs cut U.S. Q1 growth to 1.2 percent and some analysts have cut China’s growth to 4.5 percent in Q1 and 5.4 percent for the year. Argentina sa...

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No Tariffs, No Reforms; Nōgyō for PM; Turnabout is Fair Play

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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.

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