Vlad-atility is volatility caused when the market places too much value in what Vladimir Putin might be implying. Yesterday’s commodity lows were aspirational based (or fear based for bulls) as Russia briefly signaled a kinder gentler war. Today there was the realization of what a wrongful notion that is. There were many other things swirling in today’s virtual trading pits. Perhaps the least understood is again Vlad-atility. Russia is threatening to force payment for its oil and gas in rubles instead of dollars or euros. And it mentioned thoughts of a similar policy for its fertilizer and grain. The Europeans said no, that would violate the contract with Russia, and Germany announced step one of three in its emergency pl...
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...
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Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
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