World Perspectives

Trade Deficit Down, Job Creation Up: A Look Under the Hood

Two recent economic reports have generated attention: the November balance of payments trade deficit and the December payroll report. There are tea leaves to be read for both.    First, the trade deficit for all goods and services in November was down 2 percent, to $63.2 billion. The October deficit was revised up marginally to $64.5 billion from the initial report of $64.3 billion. The pre-report expectation was an increased deficit of $65 billion. Of course, as WPI frequently reminds, it is the total value of trade – imports plus exports – not the deficit or surplus, that shows the level of economic activity in the economy. In the GDP equation, imports are subtracted from exports not because they hurt domestic econo...

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Summary of Futures

Dec 24 Corn closed at $4.24/bushel, up $0.05 from yesterday's close. Dec 24 Wheat closed at $5.365/bushel, up $0.0625 from yesterday's close. Jan 25 Soybeans closed at $9.985/bushel, up $0.11 from yesterday's close. Dec 24 Soymeal closed at $289.6/short ton, up $2.6 from yesterda...

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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.

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