World Perspectives
energy

It is all Relative

The inflating costs of energy has some policymakers concerned about its impact on the economic recovery as consumers redirect their spending obligations. However, it is important to weigh inflation relative to the base cost. For example, energy costs are inflating faster in the U.S. and Canada, but the base cost of electricity in these two countries is half that of the UK, Italy, or Japan. Germans pay nearly three times as much for electricity as Americans or Canadians and so the impact of any inflation is worse. In Italy, energy costs are high and so is the inflation rate, making it far more concerning.  A similar situation exists in the food sector. Food inflation in Canada and the U.S. at 2 percent and 2.5 percent respectively, is...

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.21/bushel, down $0.03 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.335/bushel, down $0.0775 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.265/bushel, up $0.06 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $283.5/short ton, up $0 from ye...

Identifying Mispricing Opportunities in Ag Futures

In many ways, human nature is fascinated with the future – predicting what will and what could be and formulating plans accordingly. This is one factor that makes commodity futures markets inherently intriguing – their role in foretelling the future. As WPI readers have likely exper...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: July WASDE Beef Forecast Update

Per USDA’s annual Cattle Inventory report, the total number of cattle and calves in the U.S. as of 1 January was at its lowest point in more than 70 years. Moreover, this was the sixth consecutive year of smaller cattle inventory since 2019. There was a reduction at virtually every level...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.21/bushel, down $0.03 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.335/bushel, down $0.0775 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.265/bushel, up $0.06 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $283.5/short ton, up $0 from ye...

Identifying Mispricing Opportunities in Ag Futures

In many ways, human nature is fascinated with the future – predicting what will and what could be and formulating plans accordingly. This is one factor that makes commodity futures markets inherently intriguing – their role in foretelling the future. As WPI readers have likely exper...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: July WASDE Beef Forecast Update

Per USDA’s annual Cattle Inventory report, the total number of cattle and calves in the U.S. as of 1 January was at its lowest point in more than 70 years. Moreover, this was the sixth consecutive year of smaller cattle inventory since 2019. There was a reduction at virtually every level...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Three-Factor Rally for Soy Complex; Corn Extends Gains

Overnight trade saw short covering and corrective trade in corn, soybeans, and wheat but only the former two markets were able to hold their gains. Soybeans saw a bullish day from the confluence of three factors – the NOPA crush report, fresh “flash” export sales, and Presiden...

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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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