World Perspectives

More Nuanced Look at Labor from the Federal Reserve

It is almost as if the Fed is looking for excuses to continue easy money policies now that inflation is in the range it targeted and employment news would otherwise indicate a solid recovery. New Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen is a labor economist by training. Her job is to preside over the Federal Reserve, which has a dual mandate as put forth in the 1977 Federal Reserve Act: to maintain maximum employment and stable prices. Under previous Chairman Ben Bernanke, the Fed issued a statement on meeting those goals. As for inflation, it was rather straightforward and simple with the goal of 2 percent inflation annually over the long run. Employment was a little more complex. The Fed's 2012 statement explained that the maximum level...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Limping Home After a Dreary Week

Friday involved relatively lower volume and modest price changes as new inputs remain limited. And it wasn’t really due to the lack of USDA reports due to the shutdown since they may not have involved anything market moving. Harvest is progressing, competitors have ample supplies, and buy...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.19/bushel, down $0.0275 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.1525/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.18/bushel, down $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $278.6/short ton, down $0.7...

Competing Manufacturing Data

According to S&P Global, the US manufacturing sector grew for the fourth consecutive month in September. The U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers' index recorded 52 points in September, down from 53 a month prior and indicating a weaker rate of expansion of the manufacturing sector. A rea...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Limping Home After a Dreary Week

Friday involved relatively lower volume and modest price changes as new inputs remain limited. And it wasn’t really due to the lack of USDA reports due to the shutdown since they may not have involved anything market moving. Harvest is progressing, competitors have ample supplies, and buy...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.19/bushel, down $0.0275 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.1525/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.18/bushel, down $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $278.6/short ton, down $0.7...

Competing Manufacturing Data

According to S&P Global, the US manufacturing sector grew for the fourth consecutive month in September. The U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers' index recorded 52 points in September, down from 53 a month prior and indicating a weaker rate of expansion of the manufacturing sector. A rea...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Recent Market Volatility Increases Futures Mispricing

Following the recent shocks to the grain markets – the Grain Stocks report data and news that soybeans will be on the negotiating table when Presidents Trump and Xi meet next – many are wondering what happens next as far as commodity pricing goes. WPI certainly doesn’t have a...

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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.

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