Futures markets are all about anticipating the direction that prices for the underlying instrument will take at certain specific points of time in the future, and each has spawned its own cottage industry of analysts who perform that task. Price forecasting can be for periods as near as 30-60 days ahead and/or much more distant timeframes such as six, nine or 12 months out. Most futures market analysts try to assess market fundamentals, the relationship between available supplies and the likely demand. They do so by evaluating whether supplies will be more than enough to fill anticipated demand or whether demand will be at such a level that supplies become tight or even exhausted. In other words, will supply or demand be the dominant facto...
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...
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.