World Perspectives

What is a Recession and Why Does it Matter if We’re in One?

The news and political talk shows have been abuzz about whether the economy is in a recession, moreover, it has become political, with some Republican politicians and conservative commentators, almost giddy that the GDP contracted two quarters in a row, and some Democrat politicians and liberal commentators arguing that the economy is not in a recession – necessarily now. First, the two quarters of negative GDP is a rule of thumb; when it happens there is almost always a recession. But it is not, as we’ve heard on TV, the “technical” definition of a recession. In 2001, there were three consecutive quarters of negative GDP before the recession was declared. The actual technical definition is maintained by the Bureau...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

Friday’s CFTC report showed funds adding to net long position across the major ag futures contracts after a two week break as deteriorating negotiations in the Middle East and the emergence of weather concerns triggered risk-on buying. Funds bought 40,000 contracts (4.7 percent) to their...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.6925/bushel, up $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Wheat closed at $6.2975/bushel, up $0.13 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $11.92/bushel, up $0.135 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soymeal closed at $327.8/short ton, up $8.7 from y...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Grain Markets’ Two Key Factors Increasingly Bullish

The big picture for commodity markets is that imperfect weather and the lack of a peace deal in the Middle East are mandating that traders keep risk premia in prices. All other developments in ag futures stem in some way from these two factors, though the details of how, exactly, these factors...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

Friday’s CFTC report showed funds adding to net long position across the major ag futures contracts after a two week break as deteriorating negotiations in the Middle East and the emergence of weather concerns triggered risk-on buying. Funds bought 40,000 contracts (4.7 percent) to their...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.6925/bushel, up $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Wheat closed at $6.2975/bushel, up $0.13 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $11.92/bushel, up $0.135 from yesterday's close.  Jul 26 Soymeal closed at $327.8/short ton, up $8.7 from y...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Grain Markets’ Two Key Factors Increasingly Bullish

The big picture for commodity markets is that imperfect weather and the lack of a peace deal in the Middle East are mandating that traders keep risk premia in prices. All other developments in ag futures stem in some way from these two factors, though the details of how, exactly, these factors...

Farm Bill on Thursday

The House will vote on the farm bill this Thursday. This afternoon, the House Rules Committee is meeting to consider the rule for the House’s consideration of the farm bill, specifically determining which amendments can and cannot be offered. There are a number of controversial amendments...

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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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