The CBOT and U.S. stocks both seemed ready to rally in early trade on Tuesday and both markets broadly marked strong gains in the morning. By early afternoon, however, U.S. stocks had pared gains and fallen into negative territory, and that weakness and a continued “risk off” attitude pushed the CBOT lower. There was little fresh fundamental news for the grain markets, which may have been part of the problem. The major “story” themes of a strong dollar, slow exports, and good harvest weather were again factors for the CBOT and none of them offered much bullish support. Wheat futures managed to post some 13-cents of gains for the day and was one of the few ag markets to end higher. Notably, cattle and hog futures coll...
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.