The yield curve on Treasury bonds inverted during overnight trading, the first time this has occurred since 2007. The spread between three-year and five-year bonds dipped to negative 1.4 basis points, and that between two-year and five-year bonds followed. Each of the last seven recessions was predated by inverted yield curves. However, it is typically the spread between the two-year and 10-year Treasury notes that is generally considered the benchmark yield curve for bonds, which is currently 15 basis points after flattening throughout the year from a peak of 80 basis points. Although it couldn’t be gleaned from this morning’s press stories, an inverted yield curve is not the cause of recessions; it is sometimes a warning sign...
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
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.