Market Update Last week, the market was very slow in Brazil, almost getting into Christmas mode. Even the Chinese were pretty quiet. Crush margins in China, although still good, dropped from their highs. On the other hand, all of the conversations between China and the U.S. about a trade war solution kept buyers alert to a possible drop in basis levels. In fact, the spot basis dropped in Brazil once it was realized that China would not need to buy any more January positions from them. There was also some pressure on February deliveries, which dropped a little and put some pressure on March as well. All this due to the lack of buying interest from China. Another factor to consider is the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration during the las...
Illuminating the value of technical research
On behalf of a commodity producer organization, WPI evaluated the outputs from a project that featured a $5 million investment into technical research over multiple years. WPI’s team captured the results of this extensive effort and synthesized them for presentation to the organization’s governing board; among the findings uncovered and presented for the first time was the development of genomic traits proven, via rigorous testing, to provide crop yield advantages of 50 percent or more to U.S. farmers in times of drought. Capturing measurable results from long-term efforts can be challenging. Educating clients on the dynamics of success measurement when quantifiable results are not readily available requires deep client-consultant collaboration and an ability to consider both near- and long-term client aspirations with market/policy dynamics – attributes that WPI brings to every consulting engagement.
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
Inflation is back in the driver’s seat, and agriculture is getting pulled in two directions. A stronger dollar is pressuring grains despite fresh Chinese buying, while renewed Middle East attacks lift crude oil. Higher energy prices can support commodities, but they also raise expenses an...