World Perspectives

The Future of Loose Fiscal Policy and the Economy

Since the early 2000s, there has been plenty of discussion about whether monetary policy is too loose or too tight given the underlying economic conditions. It continues through today as the Fed tightened monetary policy to reign in inflation after the massive amounts of fiscal policy stimulus that came as a part of COVID recovery. From Q2 2022 to Q3 2023, interest rates increased by a total of 525 basis points, but inflation has remained “sticky” into 2024. That brings up another perhaps more pertinent topic of discussion: “loose” fiscal policy, i.e. large deficits. At the end of 2023, the current federal deficit was 6.3 percent of GDP, down from the COVID peak of 14.7 percent, but still the highest since the Great...

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May 26 Corn closed at $4.655/bushel, down $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.9525/bushel, down $0.1275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.6125/bushel, down $0.0725 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $328/short ton, down $...

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Market Commentary: Pragmatic Escape Ahead of Weekend

On Monday of this week, traders were met with limit-down losses in soybeans, plus double-digit losses in corn, soymeal, and wheat. For many, it didn’t feel good. The war in Iran presented surprises, including the postponement of a Trump-Xi meeting expected to sell some soybeans. Fundament...

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Cattle on Feed Report: Neutral

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 11.5 million head, just slightly below last year.  Marketings were 1.52 million head, at 93 percent of last year, in line with the pre...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.655/bushel, down $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.9525/bushel, down $0.1275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.6125/bushel, down $0.0725 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $328/short ton, down $...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Pragmatic Escape Ahead of Weekend

On Monday of this week, traders were met with limit-down losses in soybeans, plus double-digit losses in corn, soymeal, and wheat. For many, it didn’t feel good. The war in Iran presented surprises, including the postponement of a Trump-Xi meeting expected to sell some soybeans. Fundament...

livestock

Cattle on Feed Report: Neutral

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 11.5 million head, just slightly below last year.  Marketings were 1.52 million head, at 93 percent of last year, in line with the pre...

soy-oilseeds biofuel energy

Soy Product Pricing and Crush Margins Amid Energy Uncertainty

Volatility has been the key word for commodity markets lately, especially the energy complex and anything loosely tied to it. The effective derivatives of the energy complex include, through the linkages of biodiesel, soyoil, and soybeans, and these markets have seen incredible rallies this yea...

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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.

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