World Perspectives
energy softs

How Sweet It Isn't

Global sugar consumption has now paced below the population growth rate for three years in a row. After dipping sharply in 2019, per capita consumption continues to be lower than it was in the first part of the last decade. There are many factors involved including substitutes, price, and demand as a feedstock for biofuels. Although Brazil is a major producer of ethanol and is expending its feedstock from sugar to also using corn, its overall production of biofuel is forecast to increase, and livestock increasingly compete for the use of corn. Sugarcane grown at the equator continues to be the most efficient feedstock for ethanol.  The sugar industry points to the decline in sugar consumption concurrent with the increase in obesity to...

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Market Commentary: Plenty of Risk, Not Enough Conviction

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Functional Dysfunction; Out of the Frying Pan

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.5425/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Wheat closed at $6.07/bushel, down $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.645/bushel, down $0.1 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soymeal closed at $316.3/short ton, down $4.9 fr...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

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Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.5425/bushel, up $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Wheat closed at $6.07/bushel, down $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.645/bushel, down $0.1 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soymeal closed at $316.3/short ton, down $4.9 fr...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 22 April)

WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...

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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.

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