For the second day of this holiday-shortened week, the overnight session produced minor losses for grain and the soy complex amid extremely light trading volume. However, that did not adequately prepare traders for what happened during the day session. Wheat and corn markets were pummeled by mostly noncommercial selling that drove KC and Chicago wheat futures as well as soybeans futures to double-digit losses. Corn futures prices were not quite as weak, but that is faint praise. Funds showed no fear of selling across the board even though they already collectively hold very large short positions in corn, soybeans and wheat. Chicago wheat was the weakest item with the May contract closing down 14.5 cents at $4.45 after being down more than...
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.