Warmer winter weather last year and to date this year is driving higher-than-normal natural gas storage inventories despite demand from the power sector, and two developments may put even more of it on the market to the benefit of the agricultural and fertilizer sectors as well as others.Domestic natural gas production totaled about 73.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) for the first eight months of 2016, 1.3 Bcf/d less than during the same period last year. Nonetheless, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates natural gas in storage reached a record 4,017 Bcf as of 4 November, and that total is now higher. Generally, inventories have been greater than the five-year average for 48 of the past 52 weeks and are currently u...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
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.