Regional News Europe is facing a favorable weather forecast for crop development and field work over the next two weeks. Temperatures will be near normal or slightly higher across western and eastern Europe, as well as Ukraine and southern Russia. Precipitation this week will be below normal, which will allow currently wet soils to dry and permit a faster fieldwork/planting pace. Rains return to western and parts of central/eastern Europe next week, however, which may delay some planting progress. Fortunately, cold weather will be limited in the next two weeks, minimizing further frost risks for Black Sea countries. Russia’s new €50/MT wheat export duty becomes effective today (1 March) and as a reminder to clients,...
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...
Dry bulk markets were volatile but ultimately steady this week with notable differences in rate developments across vessel classes. The Capesize sector, which led the recent rally in freight rates with its dramatic surge, pulled back slightly amid more cautious chartering activity, partic...
Key Market Insights Macro markets delivered a full whipsaw today. Early in the session, crude oil had rallied back above $100/barrel as traders priced renewed concern over the U.S.-Iran standoff and potential supply risk through the Strait of Hormuz. That strength helped pull grains off their o...
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.