General Comments Markets were firm overnight led by soybeans and wheat. Wheat eventually led all markets with big gains that were sustained into the close. It was weather that pushed wheat higher. More evidence of freeze damage is showing up across the Southern Plains, and more snow and cold weather is in the forecast for the Northern Plains and western Canada.It was an interesting day because gold, silver and crude oil were getting crushed. Gold was down nearly $65 an ounce with silver down nearly $1.50 an ounce. Crude oil was down $2.00-2.50 and the May contract got within pennies of slipping below $90. Grain and oilseed futures markets seemed to be looking over their shoulders at the collapse in metals, but never really faltered becau...
What You Need to Know Today: Cattle futures extended their sharp selloff Friday as weakening cash cattle prices, deteriorating feedlot profitability, and reduced packer demand continued to weigh on the market. The inability of futures to sustain a rally following last week's bullish Cattle on...
As predicted, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at the last meeting before the midterm elections, likely in part because of the election (see WPI 19 October and 22 September). The decision comes at the tail end of a midterm election cycle that has been marked by the two parties campaigning...
Key Takeaways: WPI’s new EU rapeseed crushing margin models point to weaker processing returns over the next four months due to higher rapeseed procurement costs and weaker product values. Statistical forecasts call for German crushing margins to decline from €181/MT to €...
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.