There was much publicity several weeks ago about Russia being a beneficiary of the U.S. – China trade war due to stronger soybean sales. The two agreed to “deepen trade in soybeans” and Russia vowed to grow more. But Russia cannot even keep up with the pace of its own expanding soybean consumption. Russian wheat prices are reportedly buoyed by stronger domestic consumption but the pace pales in comparison to the increase in production. Wheat production has been expanding at a 5.74 percent annual rate while consumption is growing at an anemic 0.23 percent. The production of corn has also outpaced Russian consumption. This is the reason that wheat and to a much lesser degree corn have become growing export products for Russ...
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.
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...
Key Market Insights Macro markets delivered a full whipsaw today. Early in the session, crude oil had rallied back above $100/barrel as traders priced renewed concern over the U.S.-Iran standoff and potential supply risk through the Strait of Hormuz. That strength helped pull grains off their o...