A week ago, WPI wrote about how farmers are optimistic about better markets for 2018 based on several at least somewhat positive factors. We should have waited a week. The markets changed a lot in this holiday-shortened trading week after starting the Monday evening session strong after the long weekend. That strength disappeared during the night session, however, and markets traded lower Tuesday and have been lower since. What’s interesting about the change is that much of the weakness was the result of outside market factors, including:
Fresh concerns about Italy’s upcoming elections and the economic outlook for that country, including the possibility Italy might leave the Euro Zone. Those Italian worries ca...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
