This a story about rumor and weather. Wheat prices have skyrocketed to within 16 cents of their 2009 high, closing at $6.61 per bushel. The 2009 high was $6.77. Prices have surged 56% from their June lows.

You are no doubt asking: "Why such a big jump in prices?" The key word is drought, specifically the drought in the major growing areas of Russia, Ukraine and elsewhere in the Black Sea area. The drought is so bad that rumors are flying that Russia will limit wheat exports, driving purchasers to the U.S. According to Macquarie Group, parts of Europe also have been hit with drought, and Canada had excessive rain at planting time.

Continue reading Wheat Prices Surge to a 13-Month High

Wheat Prices Surge to a 13-Month High originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Toys R Us bought FAO Schwarz in May and is now ready to do something interesting with it.

It's a pretty bold move for a tough retail market. Toys R Us is opening FAO Schwarz boutiques in some of its stores. It's also relaunching the upscale toy seller's website, FAO.com. A year ago, this would have been suicide, but now, it might work out. With retailers in every sector fighting for an edge, this move may beef up the Toys R Us in-store experience, with the online play helping it reach higher-spending consumers that may not have access to an FAO brick-and-mortar spot.

Continue reading Toys R Us opening FAO Schwarz boutiques for the holidays

Toys R Us opening FAO Schwarz boutiques for the holidays originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.