The CBOT came under heavy selling pressure following the January WASDE as USDA unexpectedly increased U.S. corn acreage and yields. The USDA also added area to the soybean harvested and made a bearish cut to U.S. wheat demand, moves which sent all of the major commodity futures markets sharply lower. Corn was the biggest loser of the day and ended 24 cents in the red as the adjustments to its balance sheet were the most extreme and unanticipated. Soybeans and wheat, however, still made staunchly bearish moves on their charts and gave funds more rationale to remain on the short side of the market. Monday’s trade certainly signals a shift in the market’s mentality for corn and likely for soybeans and wheat as well. Going forward,...
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.