While monetary policy and the Federal Reserve itself are on the radar screen of policy makers who follow financial issues, the entire subject is still somewhat arcane. However, the new scrutiny is not going away.U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is now $16.768 trillion. Currently, the U.S. Federal Reserve balance sheet is $4.4 trillion (about 25 percent of GDP) and equal to the size of the U.S. economy in 1986. The growth in the Fed's assets came primarily through the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) in 2008 and the powers that legislation gave the central bank.Most of the growth in 2009 was attributable to emergency lending to financial institutions. In 2009 and 2010 when quantitative easing started, it was in federal agency debt mort...
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...
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.