The CBOT and CME markets were almost unanimously lower to start 2023 with demand – either from exports or domestic consumption – being a primary factor for the day’s declines. Last week saw strong rallies in several markets, including corn and the livestock contracts, but those moves failed to attract much fund buying interest this week. Outside of the weather and supply potential for South American crops, January is a quiet period in the commodity market news cycle, and demand (i.e., exports) and seasonal patterns take on a greater influence. Seasonally, grain markets tend to grind higher into the spring and Tuesday’s start-of-the-year weakness could just be a temporary setback. For that to be true, however, grain e...
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.