World Perspectives

What I’d Really Like for Christmas

The older you get, the shorter your Christmas list gets. And so it is with me. The list not only becomes shorter but also simpler. And so it is with my market Christmas list. I would like a few weeks or months of low volatility. I am really tired of the fund-induced volatility that can bring us 10 percent or more of price changes in a just a few days that are often not related to fundamentals in any way, shape or form. This extreme volatility has chopped up many market participants, including funds, small and large speculators, and end-users. I would like to see trading hours reduced. Volume through much of the current 21-hour session is insignificant. Not everyone needs instant market gratification! I would like to see a few states...

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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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