World Perspectives

Trade Deficit Shrinks, Fed Cuts Federal Funds Rate at December

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed unexpectedly to $52.8 billion in September, the smallest since mid-2020. The decline in the deficit was due to a large increase in exports, which rose $8.4 billion. Imports were up a more modest $1.9 billion. 

The President may see this as a win, as the core aim of Trump’s trade agenda has been straightforward: fewer imports and more domestic production. But whether that’s what we’re actually seeing is far less certain. Focusing on the total volume of trade, imports plus exports, shows the extent of business and consumer interaction across the US border. This measure grew by $10.3 billion in September but is up only 0.4 percent in the past year, and down 10.3 percent from the peak hit...

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From WPI Consulting

Infrastructure investment due diligence

On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.

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