World Perspectives
feed-grains farm-inputs softs

Input Costs – Natural Gas

While grains were 19 percent lower on the S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (GSCI), energy was down 41 percent. However, there may be a silver lining to this commodity cloud going into 2016.Commodities as an asset class experienced another bear year in 2015 with all six sectors (precious metals, base metals, energy, grains, soft commodities and meats) down on the year, although softs made gains in the fourth quarter (Q4). The composite index moved up 12.64 percent in Q4 to almost break even on the year at an annual drop of only 0.74 percent. Some supply shocks helped frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) futures appreciate 32.64 percent during the last quarter. Sugar rallied as well from just over 10 cents/pound in late summer to high...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: War, Crude Oil Still Dominate

The geopolitics of war in Iran are said to now be eclipsing any market focus on next week’s USDA March WASDE report. Volumes were modest in today’s trading, but the message was nonetheless clear – shipping grain and inputs is getting complicated.  Notably, the ratio of De...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.605/bushel, up $0.07 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $6.1675/bushel, up $0.33 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $12.0075/bushel, up $0.215 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $317.2/short ton, up $7.9 from ye...

Farm Bill Clears House of Representatives

After two days of mark-up, the so-called “skinny farm bill,” the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, cleared the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee by a vote of 34-17, with 7 Democrats joining all 27 Republicans voting in favor. It will now move to the House floor and...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: War, Crude Oil Still Dominate

The geopolitics of war in Iran are said to now be eclipsing any market focus on next week’s USDA March WASDE report. Volumes were modest in today’s trading, but the message was nonetheless clear – shipping grain and inputs is getting complicated.  Notably, the ratio of De...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

May 26 Corn closed at $4.605/bushel, up $0.07 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $6.1675/bushel, up $0.33 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $12.0075/bushel, up $0.215 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $317.2/short ton, up $7.9 from ye...

Farm Bill Clears House of Representatives

After two days of mark-up, the so-called “skinny farm bill,” the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, cleared the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee by a vote of 34-17, with 7 Democrats joining all 27 Republicans voting in favor. It will now move to the House floor and...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Middle East Grain Trade Trends

Somewhat lost in the current discussion over the impacts of the conflict in Iran and the Persian Gulf is the impact on grain trade. The region is not usually at the top of grain market analysts’ thinking when it comes to major demand centers, yet it accounts for significant global grain c...

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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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