World Perspectives

WPI Transportation Report

Dry Bulk Markets  Dy bulk markets were mixed this week with the Capesize sector sliding lower as geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East pushed buyers to the sidelines. The Panamax and Supramax markets saw enough support from Asian demand to sustain last week’s gains. Seasonally, rates tend to increase in July and August, and vessel owners are hoping these trends hold this year.  Capesize vessel rates have been sensitive to weaker demand in the Pacific market, but some traders are pointing to increased demand for prompt vessels in the region. Conversely, the currently “overheated” Atlantic market is starting to see greater vessel availability. This is not a surprise to the freight futures markets and the decl...

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From WPI Consulting

Forecasting developments in production agriculture

On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.

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