When markets opened on Monday there were just nine trading sessions before the quarterly Grain Stocks and Acreage Intentions reports from USDA, which meant that traders were focused on adjusting positions and forecasts ahead of those numbers. Beyond that, the weather is the market’s primary focus right now, both in South America relative to crop production there and in the U.S. as a gauge of early planting conditions and possible intentions switches. The weather was a bearish influence on the soy complex and sent all three legs of the crush lower while wheat futures rallied on technical trade and escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Corn futures were caught in the middle between the two markets and settled fractionally lowe...
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.