While much attention has been focused on the value of the U.S. dollar since the U.S. Federal Reserve Board modified monetary policy and started to raise interest rates, there is another currency important to agricultural trade that is also undergoing some changes in direction.A great deal of attention has been focused on the value of the U.S. dollar since the U.S. Federal Reserve Board modified monetary policy and started to raise interest rates. There is, however, another currency important to agricultural trade that is also undergoing some changes in direction that is worth examining: the Brazilian real.The real has taken a beating since 2011, losing approximately 60 percent of its value. This was due to two trends:
The bull commoditie...
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...
