World Perspectives

Policymakers Respond

As with most crises, there are shining stars and black marks. Some complain about the patch quilt of policies being created, while others see method in the madness. At the macro-level, economist John Cochrane notes that it “is not like shutting down and turning on a light bulb. It's more like shutting down and restarting a nuclear reactor. You need to do it carefully, and make sure the parts survive the shutdown intact.” At the micro-level, some have proposed zero-interest loans to firms in Europe to bridge them through the economic shutdown. Others are empowering local businesses. Creative policymakers are throwing out the traditional thick book of rules with ideas like sending unemployment benefits immediately with questions...

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Summary of Futures

May 24 Corn closed at $4.315/bushel, down $0.04 from yesterday's close.  May 24 Wheat closed at $5.5175/bushel, down $0.0425 from yesterday's close.  May 24 Soybeans closed at $11.5825/bushel, down $0.1575 from yesterday's close.  May 24 Soymeal closed at $338.5/short ton, down $...

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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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