China’s Burdens The U.S.-China trade war is causing causalities on both sides, and following are a sample of China’s. Some Chinese are becoming demoralized over recent developments. Xi Jinping has been designated emperor for life, market reforms have ended, the importance of state owned companies has been reaffirmed, the value of the yuan is falling, and exports are dropping. (Craig Hill of the China Daily Mail) Chinese shares have fallen to their lowest levels in two years and the drop in the yuan and exports will provide more downward pressure on the market. (Yuko Matsumoto and Yusho Cho of the Nikkei) Chinese companies are facing the repayment of $365 billion in bond payments by the end of the year and the falling y...
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.