World Perspectives

Trade Deficit and Energy

Energy is one of the most interesting aspects of the U.S. balance of payments account. Higher energy production in the U.S. is transforming the nation's trade relationship with the rest of the world.The global economy is strong. The U.S. Commerce Department released the March trade data today, which shows the trade deficit decreased 3.6 percent in March to $40.4 billion. February's trade deficit had been the largest in five months, but much of that was due to severe weather with production shutdowns and transportation problems. The same situation faced the economy in January, and the trade deficit was a drag on gross domestic product (GDP) growth.There are four basic components of GDP calculation: consumption, investment, government spendin...

Related Articles
feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for April 18-24, 2025. Wheat: Net sales of 72,000 metric tons (MT) for 2024/2025 were down noticeably from the previous week and down 24 percent from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 491,700 MT were up 3 percent from the previous week and 9 percent from t...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Wheat Remains Weak, Corn and Soybeans Hold Their Own

It was modest volume trading grain and oilseeds today. Again, the lack of any new fundamental news has traders keeping their powder dry. USDA’s May WASDE is likely to boost estimates for corn and soybean exports, but that is still nearly two weeks away.   Instead, today’s...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.7225/bushel, down $0.0325 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.31/bushel, up $0.0025 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.5025/bushel, up $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $294.3/short ton, down $3.7...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Export Sales

Export Sales and Shipments for April 18-24, 2025. Wheat: Net sales of 72,000 metric tons (MT) for 2024/2025 were down noticeably from the previous week and down 24 percent from the prior 4-week average. Export shipments of 491,700 MT were up 3 percent from the previous week and 9 percent from t...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Wheat Remains Weak, Corn and Soybeans Hold Their Own

It was modest volume trading grain and oilseeds today. Again, the lack of any new fundamental news has traders keeping their powder dry. USDA’s May WASDE is likely to boost estimates for corn and soybean exports, but that is still nearly two weeks away.   Instead, today’s...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.7225/bushel, down $0.0325 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.31/bushel, up $0.0025 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.5025/bushel, up $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $294.3/short ton, down $3.7...

livestock

Livestock Round Up: Broiler Outlook 2025

Broiler fundamentals continue to be favorable largely due to tight beef supplies and a more favorable value proposition versus the rest of the beef and pork markets. Prices have continued their gains since last summer, and with below historical average feed prices, processing margins have expan...

Image
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.

Search World Perspectives

Sign In to World Perspectives

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up