The CBOT/CME was mostly lower at midweek as traders prepare for what is expected to be a bearish WASDE report next week. The favorable shift in the U.S. weather is adding to negative sentiments for corn, soybeans, and the spring wheat crop and most are expecting large ending stocks increases in next week’s data. Too, there was little fresh news for the day to help push markets either way, and as WPI readers will well know, lack of news is never bullish. The only markets to see strength for the day were live cattle and soyoil, with the latter receiving support from rumors the Biden administration is going to investigate the actual composition of used cooking oil imports. Funds were cautious net sellers for the day and seem content to h...
Today was the deadline for announcing intentions regarding renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA); the U.S. will not renew the USMCA, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. President Trump will instead pursue separate bilateral trade deals with Canada and Mexico las...
As Cuba's economic crisis has deepened, discussions about the country's eventual economic and political transition have reemerged. One question that inevitably follows is what opportunities might emerge for U.S. agricultural exports. So, here’s a brief review of those opportunities, but n...
Key Takeaways Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is increasing steadily, despite a precarious political situation. The increased flow of vessels through the SOH is pressuring tanker rates, though total volumes remain well below pre-war levels. The big issue in the Strait of Hormu...
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.