Regional News Concerns about the frost-tolerance of the Black Sea wheat crop are growing after the EU Commission confirmed last week that a late start to planting in the region has left crops at risk. Specifically, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine saw a later-than-normal planting and an early onset of cold weather in late November that impaired crop development and “hardening”. Fortunately, the 7-day forecast offers little risk of frost/freeze damage, which will give the crop more time to develop. For the last week of 2021, however, cold weather descends on the Black Sea region, which will put the crop at risk. Despite development delays in Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria, the Russian wheat crop is reportedly more adv...
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.