Equities closed mixed for the day with gold up another 1.5 percent, the dollar down, oil and corn ended higher. Some large market players are concerned that going into this year’s U.S. elections, both major political parties are ignoring the rising national debt. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says she likes to see the inflation adjusted interest cost below 2 percent, but it could rise above that level. And due to conservative methodologies, the Congressional Budget Office understates the trajectory of deficit spending. On the converse, if the concerns were serious, one would expect a rush to gold, but thus far it has displayed very little advantage over equities. Inflation is tempering the debt burden at the same time economi...
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.
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...