The Futures Industry Association (FIA), the principal trade association for the derivatives industry, periodically publishes a variety of information on derivative volumes from the data it receives from 84 different exchanges around the world. The volume data is based on the number of derivative (futures and options) traded and/or cleared in all categories. The data is always interesting and informative. Trends that appear in derivative trading volume usually identify those sectors of the general economy that are "hot" and risky enough to attract a high level of commercial/speculative/investment action worldwide. Conversely, derivative volume data can also show which of those sectors that are too dull and fundamentally predictable to gene...
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
Tomorrow is the Juneteenth federal holiday, and the USDA, along with the rest of the federal government and the CME, will be closed, so the monthly Cattle on Feed report was released a day early. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity on 1 June amounted...
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.