The CBOT offered a few surprises to end the week with the major grain markets ending higher with strong buying interest. Corn futures posted a 7-cent gain on Friday after threatening their seasonal lows on Thursday with funds and commercials viewing prices below $4.75 as a value-buying opportunity. Soybeans and soymeal jumped sharply higher too on the heels of soymeal export demand, daily “flash” export sales for soybeans, and lingering weather issues for parts of South America. Finally, wheat futures were slightly higher on bargain buying and commercial/end-user demand. Overall, Friday’s trade should set the CBOT up for continued strength early next week and this week’s gains in the livestock markets are apt to do t...
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.