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 $4.49/bushel, down $0.05 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.98/bushel, up $0.0275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.5825/bushel, down $0.085 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $311.8/short ton, down $4.8 fr...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Risk is Priced In — But Not Yet Believed

Key Market Developments Macro/Geopolitics:  Markets are staring down a deadline tonight as President Donald Trump pushes Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 PM Eastern. So far, Iran has rejected the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal — reportedly delivered through Pakistan &mdash...

China Market Analysis

Hormuz Strategy China has been assisting Iran under a 25-year strategic agreement that has 90 percent of Iranian crude going to the Middle Kingdom. Iran is not currently blocking tankers passing through the Strait and on their way to China. At the same time, China is providing Iran with dual-us...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.49/bushel, down $0.05 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.98/bushel, up $0.0275 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.5825/bushel, down $0.085 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $311.8/short ton, down $4.8 fr...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Risk is Priced In — But Not Yet Believed

Key Market Developments Macro/Geopolitics:  Markets are staring down a deadline tonight as President Donald Trump pushes Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 PM Eastern. So far, Iran has rejected the U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal — reportedly delivered through Pakistan &mdash...

China Market Analysis

Hormuz Strategy China has been assisting Iran under a 25-year strategic agreement that has 90 percent of Iranian crude going to the Middle Kingdom. Iran is not currently blocking tankers passing through the Strait and on their way to China. At the same time, China is providing Iran with dual-us...

Sugar Supply and Demand Situation

Mexico’s 2025/26 sugar production is estimated to be 5.024 million MT, reflecting about a 6 percent increase from 4.7 million MT after the past two years of weather-affected output, including both persistent drought and ill-timed rains. Nonetheless, production remains near the low end com...

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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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