Impeachment’s Policy Implications In September 2016, American University professor Allan Lichtman was one of just nine analysts to correctly predict that Donald Trump would win the presidency. In 2017, he predicted that Trump would be impeached within a year, which would have been 2018. Earlier this year, the prescient professor said the only way Trump would lose re-election is if Democrats “grow a spine” and impeach him. The question for markets is what will be the impact of Trump’s demise and presumably the elevation of Democrats to greater power in 2021? On the positive side, we can assume an end to tariffs and trade wars, at least for a while. There will be great geopolitical stability around the world. More co...
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...