World Perspectives
feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Follow the Money

This year ends with a peek at the latest numbers from the CFTC’s Commitment of Traders (COT) report. The chart below shows the net reported positions of the four different reporting groups. The producer/merchant/processor/user (PMPU) group is the commercial sector of the markets. However, the large speculative funds known as Pools is the sector of most concern. Note that the size of its short in Chicago wheat and corn futures remains record or near-record large. The Pools position in soybeans has shifted from a modest long three or four weeks ago to a small net short position at year-end, and this could be one of the keys to how the soy complex reacts in early 2018.

Weather in Argentina will be one of the key factors in the directi...

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Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.3125/bushel, up $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.525/bushel, up $0.1525 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $11.3725/bushel, up $0.1325 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soymeal closed at $307.9/short ton, up $4.9 fr...

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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.

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