There is easy agreement that COVID-19 was the worst thing about 2020, and it hopefully goes away soon. But many of the other topics we discussed and analyzed throughout 2020 are likely to mature in the year ahead. China, China, China It will remain the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Not only because of its economic weight but because it forces the neoliberal democracies to question their own orthodoxies. Partner or strategic rival? Is the future going to be capitalism, state-led development, or some combination of the two? Does emphasizing moral values only matter against poorer countries (e.g. tying trade to Brazil’s management of rainforests but holding China harmless for its human rights abuses)? Will it be managed trade or...
What You Need to Know Today: President Trump claimed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was over, as both sides accused one another of violating the terms of the agreement. Commercial vessels are increasingly steering clear of the Strait of Hormuz as security risks escalate following Iran...
Key Takeaways: The CME Group is launching new 90 percent Lean Beef and 50 percent Lean Beef futures and options contracts in July. There are five key factors that must be present in physical markets and futures contract specifications for futures contracts to become successful. The two l...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.