Regional News Last week, Europe was facing widespread drought conditions and one of the driest 60-day springtime periods since the 1970’s. That drought and expectations for poor crop yields initially pushed wheat and grain prices higher. However, last week also brought broad precipitation coverage across Europe’s most important wheat-producing regions and the Black Sea. The rains were timely and largely sufficient to ease near-term drought concerns. Moreover, the current 1-7-day forecast calls for widespread, light showers across Europe with scattered, light showers across Ukraine. Southern Russia will likely receive modest precipitation as well. For now, the weather forecast seems to suggest the worst of the yield-damagi...
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.