World Perspectives

Weaker Consumer Finances Darken Economic Outlook, Despite Interest Rate Cuts

The past two weeks have seen the typical influx of macroeconomic data releases, most of which helped prompt the Federal Reserve to issue its 50-bps interest rate cut on Wednesday. While the interest rate cut was initially viewed as a positive signal (lower interest rates generally increase economic activity), history suggests rate cuts can precede market corrections or recessions. This is highly dependent on other factor at play in the economy, which WPI attempts to examine here.  WPI looks at macroeconomics through three primary lenses: national-level factors, consumer income and finances, and consumer spending. The first, national-level factors, includes items such as stock market valuation, the Treasury yield curve, and the inflati...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.5775/bushel, up $0.02 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $6.1625/bushel, up $0.0925 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.71/bushel, up $0.1125 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $316.4/short ton, up $1.5 from...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Grains Rally on USDA Data, Hopes for End to Middle East Conflict

Except for lean hog futures, the CBOT and CME markets were higher on Tuesday in a combination of bullish factors. The day’s strength started after the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump told aides he is willing to end hostilities in the Middle East even if the Strait of Hor...

Lots To Do for Congress When They Return to Washington

Congress is in recess this week ahead of the Easter and Passover holidays, with much yet to do, including ending a partial shutdown and considering the “skinny” farm bill. Congress is scheduled to return on 13 April, though that may change, especially if the Homeland Security fundin...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.5775/bushel, up $0.02 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $6.1625/bushel, up $0.0925 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.71/bushel, up $0.1125 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $316.4/short ton, up $1.5 from...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Grains Rally on USDA Data, Hopes for End to Middle East Conflict

Except for lean hog futures, the CBOT and CME markets were higher on Tuesday in a combination of bullish factors. The day’s strength started after the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump told aides he is willing to end hostilities in the Middle East even if the Strait of Hor...

Lots To Do for Congress When They Return to Washington

Congress is in recess this week ahead of the Easter and Passover holidays, with much yet to do, including ending a partial shutdown and considering the “skinny” farm bill. Congress is scheduled to return on 13 April, though that may change, especially if the Homeland Security fundin...

China Market Analysis

SPS Barriers India’s rice exports to China have been accelerating, but Beijing recently rejected three shipments of non-Basmati rice, citing genetically modified content. The technical rejection is notable because China’s Certification and Inspection Group had already pre-cleared th...

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From WPI Consulting

Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming

WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.

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