Large-scale fund liquidation during the day session set the stage for old crop soybean contracts to sink 13-16 cents by the close. Adding to the bearish atmosphere, vessels are beginning to load soybeans at the main Brazilian ports. General Comments Just as expected, the Fed announced it was cutting back its quantitative easing (QE) 3 monthly bond-buying by another $10 billion, putting it at $65 billion per month now. The Fed maintained its generally positive view of the U.S. economy despite mixed signals on jobs. It did not change its intention to leave the Fed fund interest rate at near zero for quite some time. Fed watchers are interpreting this to mean that the rate will remain near zero until mid-2015, though subject to change, of co...
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...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.