Russian Grain Markets: August–2 September 2022 Grain markets were volatile. While global markets remain bullish, Russian traders are still speculating and expecting a bigger bear. This, of course, is possible at the early stage of the game and especially with a forecast for a record crop. It seems that bottom price levels of the new season are nearby. Export trading in domestic currency is bullish primarily thanks to export duty softening. Export duties depend a lot on RUB behavior. If the RUB remains stable and strong, export duties may further decline. The domestic market remained quite volatile. It is clear now that high quality milling wheat is in short supply and near-term prices may recover for this commodity. The record wheat...
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.
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...