World Perspectives

Future of Interest Rates

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met on 1-2 May and decided to leave interest rates unchanged. The June meeting, however, will likely be another story as it is expected to increase the federal funds rate 25 basis points, which is currently at 1.75 percent after being raised in March. Given the strong likelihood of a hike next month, that means a rate of at least 2 percent by the end of 2018. Further, the Fed has raised rates at each of the last three December meetings. If the FOMC follows suit this year, that would put the funds rate at 2.25 percent. Others believe the language of the post-meeting statement hints at a total of four interest rate increases this year, and that would put the overnight federal funds rate at 2.5 percent...

Related Articles

China Market Analysis

Beef China’s new import safeguard on beef continues to stir the market. Its largest impact is on the biggest supplier of protein, Brazil. Suppliers in that country say they will have to reduce production and slaughter capacity. Meanwhile, Ireland is pleased that Beijing has lifted a ban t...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Bears in Control Again; Trump-Iran-China Triangle Sinks Soybeans

Bears were once again in control of the CBOT on Tuesday as the effects of the January WASDE continue to ripple through markets. Tuesday’s trade also saw the bearish effects of rising U.S. political tensions after President Trump announced the implementation of a 25 percent tariff on any c...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.1975/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.105/bushel, down $0.0075 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.3875/bushel, down $0.1025 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soymeal closed at $291.6/short ton, down...

China Market Analysis

Beef China’s new import safeguard on beef continues to stir the market. Its largest impact is on the biggest supplier of protein, Brazil. Suppliers in that country say they will have to reduce production and slaughter capacity. Meanwhile, Ireland is pleased that Beijing has lifted a ban t...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Bears in Control Again; Trump-Iran-China Triangle Sinks Soybeans

Bears were once again in control of the CBOT on Tuesday as the effects of the January WASDE continue to ripple through markets. Tuesday’s trade also saw the bearish effects of rising U.S. political tensions after President Trump announced the implementation of a 25 percent tariff on any c...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.1975/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.105/bushel, down $0.0075 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.3875/bushel, down $0.1025 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soymeal closed at $291.6/short ton, down...

livestock

WASDE Livestock

USDA’s World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report was released yesterday, the first of the year. Beef production is still down compared to 2024, but projections were raised for 2026. Beef production was raised as heavier slaughter weights more than offset the reduction i...

Image
From WPI Consulting

Infrastructure investment due diligence

On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.

Search World Perspectives

Sign In to World Perspectives

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up