World Perspectives

Macro Economic Data: Positive but Volatile

Growth in retail sales lost some momentum in September, capping off what otherwise had been a solid quarter of spending for U.S. consumers. Looking at the headline, overall sales rose 0.2 percent in September – the fourth consecutive monthly increase – but lagged the consensus expected gain of 0.4 percent. Sales rose in eight out of the thirteen major categories for the month, led by a 2 percent jump at gasoline stations. The biggest drag came from internet and mail-order retailers, where sales declined 0.7 percent in September after a strong 1.6 percent increase in August. Combined with declines at clothing stores (down 0.7 percent) and sporting goods retailers (down 2.5 percent), the pullback likely reflects a return to more t...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

The attached PDF offers graphical depiction and seasonal analysis of managed money and commercial traders' net position in key agricultural commodity markets. The data is, of course, taken from the CFTC's weekly Commitment of Traders report, using the futures only data. WPI recently completed a...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Low Volume But Solid Intentions

The CME and traders recovered from a data center problem that halted overnight trading but it was the holiday interrupted week that sent trading volumes sharply lower on Friday. The day started with another flash sale of soybeans to China, evidencing that Beijing is committed to its agreement w...

livestock

Sow and Cattle Slaughter Dynamics

HOGS The USDA is releasing weekly slaughter data that was unavailable through the government shutdown. On average, through mid-November, sow slaughter has been around 57,400 head per week, which is about 3,400 head, or 5.6 percent lower than the weekly average of about 60,800 head per week in 2...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

The attached PDF offers graphical depiction and seasonal analysis of managed money and commercial traders' net position in key agricultural commodity markets. The data is, of course, taken from the CFTC's weekly Commitment of Traders report, using the futures only data. WPI recently completed a...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Low Volume But Solid Intentions

The CME and traders recovered from a data center problem that halted overnight trading but it was the holiday interrupted week that sent trading volumes sharply lower on Friday. The day started with another flash sale of soybeans to China, evidencing that Beijing is committed to its agreement w...

livestock

Sow and Cattle Slaughter Dynamics

HOGS The USDA is releasing weekly slaughter data that was unavailable through the government shutdown. On average, through mid-November, sow slaughter has been around 57,400 head per week, which is about 3,400 head, or 5.6 percent lower than the weekly average of about 60,800 head per week in 2...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.4775/bushel, up $0.025 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.385/bushel, down $0.02 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $11.3775/bushel, up $0.0625 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soymeal closed at $318.7/short ton, down $1.7 f...

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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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