CBOT markets were called steady/higher before the open on a mix of macroeconomic strength from the U.S. Senate coronavirus aid package and from a slowdown in Argentine exports that may give U.S. exporters a better opportunity. The markets opened as called but soyoil weakened early as crude oil moved lower. Stocks rallied sharply after the opening bell in light of the $2 trillion aid package agreed to by the White House and Congress. The prominent feature of CBOT trade today was massive bull spreading/fund buying in Chicago wheat futures. The May contract gained 18+ cents while July added 12 cents to its values. Bull spreading was present, but far milder, in KC and MGEX wheat futures. Funds are estimated to have bought 12,000 contract...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.