Currency Valuation and Trade The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and the strong U.S. dollar weigh on commodity trading decisions. The TPP and a Provision to Prevent Currency Manipulation There has been a push from certain U.S. sectors to add a provision to the TPP that would prevent signatories from engaging in currency manipulation. Is this a convenient rationale to oppose the agreement or a principled negotiating position? An Appreciating U.S. Dollar in the U.S. Fertilizer Trade The U.S. is a large part of the international fertilizer trade. With more than 40 MMT at an aggregate value exceeding $14 billion moved in and out of the country in 2014, currency fluctuations can and do have a profound impact on this trade sector...
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.
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...