World Perspectives

U.S. Consumer Spending, Financial Health Supports 2024 Economic Outlook

As WPI readers likely well know by now, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an inflation- and seasonally-adjusted 1.6 percent rate in Q1 2024, which missed economist’s 2.4 percent expectations. The data sent shockwaves through U.S. financial markets with U.S. stocks and bonds opening sharply lower on Thursday after investors parsed through the implications of slower economic growth. The report suggests the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure (the personal consumption index) was likely firmer than expected in March, which may further delay the central bank’s planned interest rate cuts. The CME’s Federal Funds futures markets now predicts a 20 percent chance the central bank will hold interest rates ste...

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Livestock Roundup: Turkey Production Adjusted Down

Turkey production in August totaled 434.7 million pounds, slightly above July production but down 11 percent year-over-year. August slaughter was down 15 percent year-over-year, but heavier weights in August (32.25 pounds) offset the reduced slaughter. Based on the August production data, estim...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 15 November)

Ocean Freight Comments - 15 November 2024By Matt HerringtonDry bulk freight markets were mixed this week with Capes rising while Supramax vessel rates declined yet again. The Capesize sector found support from China’s recent efforts to stockpile coal and iron ore, but this support has not yet t...

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Market Commentary: Biofuel and Trade Policy Worries Pressure CBOT along with Dollar Strength

The CBOT saw another day of pronounced weakness with expectations for larger global soybean and wheat production and stocks in 2025 weighing on values. Product demand in the soy complex has also been a huge negative factor recently with uncertainty over U.S. biofuels policy causing a sharp redu...

livestock

Livestock Roundup: Turkey Production Adjusted Down

Turkey production in August totaled 434.7 million pounds, slightly above July production but down 11 percent year-over-year. August slaughter was down 15 percent year-over-year, but heavier weights in August (32.25 pounds) offset the reduced slaughter. Based on the August production data, estim...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 15 November)

Ocean Freight Comments - 15 November 2024By Matt HerringtonDry bulk freight markets were mixed this week with Capes rising while Supramax vessel rates declined yet again. The Capesize sector found support from China’s recent efforts to stockpile coal and iron ore, but this support has not yet t...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Biofuel and Trade Policy Worries Pressure CBOT along with Dollar Strength

The CBOT saw another day of pronounced weakness with expectations for larger global soybean and wheat production and stocks in 2025 weighing on values. Product demand in the soy complex has also been a huge negative factor recently with uncertainty over U.S. biofuels policy causing a sharp redu...

soy-oilseeds

Oilseed Highlights: Multi-Bearish Factors

The MarketThe January soybean contract has been sliding all week and despite support at the 20-day moving average of $10.01/ST, it closed today below $10/bushel for the first time this month. The reasons are many including: a rising dollar value, 2) large impending South American production, 3)...

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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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