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

Market Commentary: Sell The Fact Trade Drives Turnaround Tuesday

The big news in commodity markets Tuesday was USDA’s confirmation that China purchased nearly 800 KMT of soybeans from the U.S. on Monday. That news was corroborated by news stories saying China booked over 20 cargoes from the PNW and Gulf with basis levels rising in both locations as if...

AI Beats Techphobia; Copout 30; Regional Competition

AI Beats Techphobia Germany and France are now seeking delays in implementing the EU’s AI Act and its effort to restrain high-risk artificial intelligence systems. Fear of being left behind prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to argue it is necessary “to use this time in order...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.3675/bushel, up $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.59/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.535/bushel, down $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $327/short ton, down $3.8 from...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Sell The Fact Trade Drives Turnaround Tuesday

The big news in commodity markets Tuesday was USDA’s confirmation that China purchased nearly 800 KMT of soybeans from the U.S. on Monday. That news was corroborated by news stories saying China booked over 20 cargoes from the PNW and Gulf with basis levels rising in both locations as if...

AI Beats Techphobia; Copout 30; Regional Competition

AI Beats Techphobia Germany and France are now seeking delays in implementing the EU’s AI Act and its effort to restrain high-risk artificial intelligence systems. Fear of being left behind prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to argue it is necessary “to use this time in order...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.3675/bushel, up $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.59/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.535/bushel, down $0.0375 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $327/short ton, down $3.8 from...

Stage Two of SDRP Announced

Now that the government has re-opened, the USDA announced yesterday that starting on 24 November producers can enroll in the second wave of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). The program covers eligible commodities that did not fall under the first application process. SDRP was ap...

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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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