GOOD MORNING, Prices are lower across the board this morning as a risk-off sentiment pervades trade due to the spread of the Coronavirus. A WHO report put worldwide COVID-19 infection cases at over 79,300 across 30 different countries, with deaths rising to 2,619. More cases were reported from South Korea, Italy and Iran, which have prompted fear as more human to human transmissions arise in different global areas. The Dow is off over 760 pts. as reports of cases outside China triggered sharply lower prices in Asian and European shares. Soyoil futures are sharply lower following losses in palm oil. The Agricultural Outlook Forum data last week was neutral to bearish corn; bullish for wheat and beans. Th...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.