Trading ahead of tomorrow’s USDA reports produced mixed results. Those reports coincide with the end of the quarter for noncommercial-managed funds, a time when fund managers often like to dress up their results, but there was little of that today. General Comments Trading ahead of tomorrow’s USDA reports produced mixed results with soybean futures prices firmer while corn and wheat prices were mostly a little lower. Those reports coincide with the end of the quarter for noncommercial-managed funds. The end of a quarter is often a time when fund managers like to dress up their results by cashing some paper profits, but there was little of that today. In fact, other than vague feelings that tomorrow’s stocks and small grains reports might...
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
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.