Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Into the Futures: The commodity derivatives podcast brought to you by Freight Investor Services
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1: Don’t Cry For Me Venezuela | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:24:04 | |
On the 3rd January 2026, the United States military launched Operation Absolute Resolve, an operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas. President Trump stated that the US would “run Venezuela” and that American oil companies would step in to help “fix the badly broken infrastructure”. Venezuela’s strategic importance, however, extends well beyond oil. The country holds significant reserves of a wide range of commodities, raising important economic, market and geopolitical questions. In this first episode of Into the Futures, Richard Stephenson examines the implications of recent events, the changing US foreign policy, the outlook for Venezuelan commodities, and what this could mean for global financial markets. | |||
| Hedging commodities, monetary policy and crude oil fluctuations | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:36:25 | |
Hedging, Monetary Policy, and Oil Swings: Insights from FIS’s Latest Podcast This week on Freight Up, we set out to give listeners practical insights into the world of risk management across the commodity spectrum, from freight to metals to crude oil. If you’re looking to understand what’s really happening under the surface of today’s volatile markets, this episode features perspectives from professionals who operate right at that interface between price risk and real-world trade. We started with Samuel Basi, founder of Perfectly Hedged Consultancy and a former Trafigura metals trader, for a deep dive into the realities of commodity hedging in liquid and illiquid markets. From there, we heard from Carlo Boffa, a central bank watcher at Politico, on central bank decisions and how the evolving landscape of monetary policy is shaping the US dollar and, by extension, commodity prices. We wrap up with Archie Smith, oil broker, who broke down the extreme pricing swings in the oil market driven by macro shocks and geopolitical headlines, highlighting what’s front of mind for market participants right now. Some of the headline talking points this week include: the merits and pitfalls of one-to-one hedging in today’s market, with Sam exploring where hedging can reduce risk and where it might inadvertently add more. We tackled the specific challenges faced by traders and companies in less liquid markets, including practical ways to quantify risk and work with imperfect hedges—or get creative in the over-the-counter space to find coverage. Options came under the spotlight, especially with clients’ hesitancy to use them, and Sam gave practical context about why options sometimes get overlooked and when they can be a valuable part of a strategy. Companies mentioned in this episode:
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| End of Year Special - 2021 | 09 Dec 2021 | 00:59:54 | |
Relive the 2021 freight and commodity markets with our end of year podcast, where we remember the freight, ferrous, oil, metals, and ferts markets of the last 12 months. We are joined by Alex Pereira Inacio, Michelle Wiese Bockmann, Ed Hutton, Kerry Deal, Peter Stallion, Alex Macathur, Peter Hannah, Dave Powell, Robert Belcher, Nick McClements, Jack Nathan, Andrew Manna, Ricky Forman, and Theo Goulios. | |||
| EPISODE 37 - Xmas Special | 16 Dec 2020 | 00:46:38 | |
Whether you’ve been Naughty or Nice, tune in to our special episode ‘The 12 Commodities of Christmas’ to hear the team break down the year’s price action and trends across all our products, along with the usual news and comment. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/. | |||
| We need to talk about Tangshan! Freight chat: fuel oil market volatility & fertilizer options | 06 Jul 2023 | 00:43:06 | |
From Quotas to Cuts: The Turbulent High Sulphur Fuel Oil Market Does the volatility in the high sulfphur fuel oil market feel all too familiar? Have you been told that closely monitoring crude oil importing quotas and export cuts is the key to understanding this volatility? But despite your efforts, you're still left without a clear understanding of the factors driving this market's unpredictability? The pain of taking ineffective action and not getting the desired results can be frustrating. It's time to break free from this cycle and gain a deeper insight into the real drivers of volatility. Join us in this episode of the Freight Up! podcast from FIS as we uncover the hidden forces behind the high sulphur fuel oil market's turbulence, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate this market with confidence and success.
"So we're expecting, or I think the trade is expecting, that volatility continues to remain a little bit subdued compared to the beginning of the year." - Taylor Eastman - (click for LinkedIn) Hi, Fernanda here! I'm host of the Frieght Up podcast! Archie Smith, Taylor Eastman, James Robinson, Joshua Stern, Kerry Deal and Hao Pei join me to discuss the current market trends and the latest happenings in the world of freight and commodities including Russia, China, ferrous, scrap and all the other stuff we like to dig into! OPEC Cuts and Weak Demand Outlook The world of crude oil is an intricate balance of supply and demand. And currently, the scales are tipping heavily towards the surplus end. As Saudi Arabia lengthens its voluntary oil output cuts into August, we might have anticipated a beneficial boost in prices. However, no such sustained increase is visible. Why is that? In this conversation, our guest Archie Smith shares more with us on this subject. For now, let's just say it's a | |||
| EPISODE 36 | 09 Dec 2020 | 00:26:06 | |
Caught off guard by the Iron Ore moves? Listen to this week's Castaway podcast where Chris, Tom and Kerry have it covered, along with all our markets. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Iron ore and fuel oil rallies: Chinese Premier Li's words have impact on prices! | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:12:14 | |
Strong Demand Drives Rally in High Sulphur Fuel Oil Unforeseen winds of change swept through the freight industry as iron ore prices soared, driven by the unwavering commitment of China's Premier Li to bolster domestic demand. Freight industry traders and professionals! Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride. This unexpected twist in the market will challenge conventional strategies, forcing you to question the status quo. Will you adapt and seize the opportunity to redefine your path? Or will you remain rooted in the familiar, unaware of the untapped potential that awaits? Make sure you listen to this new episode of "Freight Up" from FIS to get all the insight you need to make your decision! "For them all to be rallying, it shows some good health in the fuel market" - Archie Smith Hi, I'm Fernanda, host of the Frieght Up podcast! Archie Smith and James Robinson join me to discuss the current market trends in fuel oil and iron ore. Archie dives into the rally in fuel oil cracks, particularly in high sulphur fuel oil, which he attributes to movements in the East, with our friends in China. He also highlights the tightening gap between the cracks. James talks us through the significant rally in iron ore prices, also driven by Chinese commitments to demand. Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:29 - Fuel Oil Update 00:05:52 - Iron Ore Update | |||
| EPISODE 35 - BRAZIL SPECIAL | 02 Dec 2020 | 00:36:26 | |
This week is our Brazil special. Tom, Alex, Chris, and Kerry are joined by Roberto Doring, Deputy Head of Mission to the UK, to discuss the past, present and future of Brazil’s presence in the commodity complex. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Data discrepancies between US and EU HRC markets - and what we've done to fix it! | 22 Jun 2023 | 00:21:53 | |
Solving Data Discrepancies: The Fix for Improved European Positioning with Joshua Stern! Welcome to the latest episode of this FIS podcast in which we talk data discrepancies, new algorithms, HRC markets, the Rebar market, China's influence and the economic strategy, Brent's price and much more! Pssst! Here's the post Josh refers to in the episode! My special guests this week are Ricky Forman, Joshua Stern, James Robinson! "Improving transparency in market data is key to making informed trading decisions." - Joshua Stern Buckle up on this week's Freight Up! This episode is bringing more plot twists than an episode of "Rabbithole"! When Joshua Stern discovered a significant data discrepancy between the US and EU HRC markets, he knew he had to take matters into his own hands. Learn how he used a combination of the existing data, and devised a way to estimate European HRC positions. But get this: this new positioning data revealed something unexpected... signs of a shift towards a more bullish sentiment in the market. With this newfound insight, everyone involved in the industry could make better-informed decisions. But what will happen next? Listen to find out! Improved accuracy in European positioning estimation for better trading decisionsIn this episode of the Freight Up podcast, we learn that understanding the positioning dynamics in the commodities market, particularly between the US and EU HRC markets, can have significant implications on trading decisions. And talking of bullishness... The rebar market has been displaying signs of bullish sentiment recently, which provides a sense of optimism for future pricing in the steel industry. Positive indicators in the market which we reveal in this episode, point to a potential upswing that could open up profitable opportunities for traders. By keeping a close eye on these market trends, industry players can establish a competitive edge and potentially reap the rewards of bullish market conditions. James Robinson highlights the impressive 20% month-on-month gain he's discovered within the US steel market. Iron Ore UpdateIn the iron ore market, China's slow rate of stimulus announcements has caused some frustration. While there have been numerous meetings between government officials and industry leaders, the outcomes have been limited and slow in coming. Listen to learn more! The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Economic Unease Rocks Commodity Desks 00:01:25 - Fuel Oil Market Update 00:07:17 - Steel Market News 00:10:53 - Contango Curve 00:13:40 - Importance of Fed Funds Release 00:14:11 - Bullishness in the Rebar Market 00:15:21 - Focusing on Derivative Markets 00:16:54 - Iron Ore Update 00:21:50 - Shift in Economic Strategy for China
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| EPISODE 34 | 25 Nov 2020 | 00:27:07 | |
End-of-year-feeling in your markets? Longing to get away? Join the team as they wing it and discuss the new Baltic Exchange Air Freight Index on this week's Castaway. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Navigating Market Waves - Insights on Carbon Auctions, Cape Rates, and Steel Market | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:30:33 | |
And how the US strategic petroleum reserve affects fuel oil market Welcome to the latest episode of this FIS podcast which this week is delving more deeply into the carbon market! "We've created a solution to the whole problem and we've created two transactions, so now the market will know that there's been two transactions, so the market has now got some enthusiasm about that." - Theo Goulios Do you want to stay ahead of the game in the commodities industry and make informed business decisions? Are you looking for ways to boost your understanding of market factors and their potential implications? Look no further. Our esteemed speakers this week - Theo Goulios, Archie Smith, James Robinson, Kerry Deal, and Joshua Stern - are here to share insights with you. Silent auctionsIn this captivating episode of the Freight Up podcast, our guest, Theo Goulios the Head of Carbon at FIS, introduces a novel approach to market liquidity in the often-stagnant vulture carbon market - silent auctions. He details how this idea, sparked by a problem in the OTC market, has been a game-changer for both buyers and sellers by taking the anxiety-inducing element of price out of the equation. We delve into how this tactic has fostered the creation of successful transactions and reinvigorated market interest. But don't think silent auctions are a one-size-fits-all solution - our expert highlights why it's specific to the current market conditions. Short-term BounceThere is potential for a short-term bounce in EU HRC prices due to available material on a spot basis. Understanding the factors leading to this short-term bounce and closely monitoring the situation can help professionals in the commodities industry make informed business decisions. Learn what might happen if there isn't enough material going into Southeast Asia! Freight UpdateThe shipping and freight industry faced challenges due to the global pandemic and various countries' COVID-19 restrictions. Kerry Deal picks us up on the latest regarding the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on container movements and the seafaring industry. He also talks us through the influence of supply chain disruptions and seasonal congestion on shipping as the year progresses. Iron Ore UpdateThe 2021 iron ore market has been affected by changes in China's environmental policies, causing the shutdown of inefficient and high-polluting steel mills. These changes, combined with the possibility of lower iron ore prices due to seasonal production slowdowns, make it essential for professionals in the commodities industry to stay informed on market trends and their potential global impact. Our own James Robinson discussed the mixed week that the iron ore market experienced due to the concerns surrounding China's property market. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:46 – FI Se Silent Auction 00:08:36 - Carbon Desk Update 00:08:51 - Fuel Oil Market Update 00:16:13 - Sleepy Steel Market 00:13:28 - Impact of Sing 0.5 Crack on High Five Spread 00:14:03 - EIA Stockpile Report and US Fed Meeting 00:14:47 - Iron Ore Update 00:19:35 - Freight Update 00:25:30 - Steel Update 00:27:34 - Little downstream demand 00:28:13 - Interest in EU HRC contract 00:28:56 - Chinese steel and prices 00:29:26 - Short-term bounce | |||
| EPISODE 33 | 18 Nov 2020 | 00:20:46 | |
China's coal imports continue to fall along with Cape freight, while oil and iron ore push, and the Baltic launches a new airfreight index - we discuss it all on Castaway this week along with our award winning app! markets.Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| EPISODE 32 | 11 Nov 2020 | 00:29:12 | |
Join this week's Election Special on Castaway as the team discuss the implications of a Biden Presidency, a Vaccine, and more on our commodity markets. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Capes at a Two-Year Low and Gas Markets Volatility | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:19:25 | |
In this week's episode, we'll explore the recent movements in the dry bulk freight rates, where the cape size segment has notably hit a two-year low, and the factors influencing these changes. Hello, we're Jess and Davide, and we welcome you back to another insightful episode of Freight Up – your go-to podcast for the latest in freight and commodity markets from Freight Investor Services or as some of us know us, FIS. We'll also gain a valuable perspective from our guest Ben Klang, who provides an in-depth view of the current dynamics in iron ore and coking coal markets. Plus, you'll hear from our highly knowledgeable carbon emissions broker, William Addison, on the evolving situation in the European carbon markets. | |||
| Episode 31 | 05 Nov 2020 | 00:17:24 | |
It's not looking good for Aussie coal, and as we sit and wait for the US Election result Chris, Tom and Kerry explore the movements in our main commodity markets. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| EPISODE 30 | 28 Oct 2020 | 00:34:23 | |
British special forces got involved in the freight market this week, and there’s plenty other intelligence to share on this week’s podcast with Tom, Kerry and Chris. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| New developments in Ammonia derivatives and the Argus Clean Ammonia Europe conference | 14 Dec 2022 | 00:16:34 | |
A focus on new developments with Ammonia derivatives, how they could be used to manage physical price risk, the market opportunity, the Argus Clean Ammonia Europe Conference, and how grey ammonia derivatives would work in the fertiliser and energy markets. | |||
| EPISODE 29 | 22 Oct 2020 | 00:26:46 | |
It’s all Chinese to us! As most markets take a breather, Chris, Tom and Kerry talk about the future potential of China to sustain markets, as well as an update on our main commodity markets. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| EU sanctions on Russia, OPEC+ meeting and how it all affects the freight and FFA market and crude oil | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:20:12 | |
EU sanctions on Russia, a G7 meeting, a price cap on Russian oil, an OPEC+ meeting, and rare protests in China against zero-COVID rules included in our conversations on how this impacts the freight & FFA market, crude oil & products market, and the ferrous commodity complex. | |||
| EPISODE 28 | 14 Oct 2020 | 00:23:40 | |
Covid-free podcast. Don't worry, we don't mention the C word this week. Join Chris, Kerry and Tom as they discuss the movers and shakers in the freight and commodity markets. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Freight and FFA market overview and China impacts on iron ore | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:15:09 | |
An overview of the Freight and FFA market; with a rollercoaster of news in China, we hear how that affects Iron Ore and finally end with some colour in the fuel oil market. | |||
| EPISODE 27 | 07 Oct 2020 | 00:30:39 | |
This week, as China takes a holiday, the news stream for the rest of the world is incredibly active. From rocketing Freight to flat Tankers, find out the impact on Commodities markets with Chris, Kerry and Tom. Disclaimer - https://freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| The fastest growing ‘next generation’ fuels... | 02 Nov 2022 | 00:17:47 | |
We cover one of the fastest growing ‘next generation’ fuels with multiple uses, including electricity generation, vessel fuel, and fertilizer: our latest product addition, Ammonia. We also put a little sprinkle of oil as we look at the oil & products market and get a freight market overview. | |||
| EPISODE 26 | 01 Oct 2020 | 00:28:04 | |
This week we touch on Job cuts, EU Passports and the biggest debate of the year as well as our normal market summaries and a synopsis about Golden week. Disclaimer - https://freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| EPISODE 82 | 01 Dec 2021 | 00:15:41 | |
With a new Covid variant oil’s price has sledged down a hill, while Panamaxes have stormed ahead in the dry freight market, all on this week’s podcast. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Podcast founder Chris Hudson's final episode sees him riffing all about FFAs fuel oil and steel | 19 Oct 2022 | 00:44:44 | |
A special edition episode as we wish the podcast founder, Chris Hudson a farewell. We interview Chris and his old friends on the world of FFAs, fuel oil, and steel. | |||
| EPISODE 25 | 18 Sep 2020 | 00:25:30 | |
This weeks episode is 2 days late and doesn't have Chris in it. #prayforchudders | |||
| The physical freight market, geopolitical events and freight and commodity market movements with Head of the Shipbroking team and Director of our Singapore office, Kim Klarmann | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:34:02 | |
In this week’s episode, we speak with the Head of the Shipbroking team and Director of Singapore Office Kim Klarmann about his thoughts on the physical freight market. We also spotlight the FFA market, geopolitical events, and market movements of our major freight and commodity markets. | |||
| EPISODE 24 - Technicals Special | 09 Sep 2020 | 00:47:25 | |
Confused by market jargon? Getting your stochastic mixed up with your doji stars? Then don't fear! This week's special podcast episode explains all about market technicals and how to use them with FIS technical research analyst Ed Hutton. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Barcelona, battery metals, pulp and paper, geopolitics, and the freight index | 21 Sep 2022 | 00:37:40 | |
Barcelona, battery metals, pulp and paper, geopolitics, and freight index rebound are all on this week’s podcast episode with Peter Hannah from Fastmarkets, Kerry Deal, Kieran Walsh, Mopani Mkandawire and Chris Hudson. | |||
| EPISODE 23 | 02 Sep 2020 | 00:30:02 | |
How are the markets pricing the US election? What's in store for capesize freight? And why is iron ore still so high? Answer all these questions and more with a listen of this week's Castaway - now with 50% fewer puns. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Unmasking Market Mysteries: China, Base Metals, Iron Ore, Fuel Oil and Inflation - global market trends and macro factors | 08 Jun 2023 | 00:19:39 | |
In this episode of Freight Up from FIS:
Nick McClements, a skilled base metals connoisseur at FIS, leads the market with a comprehensive grasp of how base metals affect global economic health. Hey loyal listener! And thanks for joining us for another new episode!In this episode of "Freight Up!"....Output Cuts and Market Sentiment Understanding the influence of output cuts by major oil producers such as OPEC and Russia is vital when examining the oil markets. Furthermore, considering the potential recessionary headwinds, it's important to monitor the possible effects on the markets. By observing these key factors, traders and others in the industry can better prepared for the oil market's fluctuations and make more informed decisions. In the episode, Nick McClements, James Robinson, and Archie Smith talk about the impact of these output cuts, which they believe are more supportive than bullish. Additionally, they discuss how poor Chinese economic data and a massive build in gasoline and distillates contribute to the recessionary headlines. They also cover how G7 sanctions on Russian oil and gas tax revenues and the increased independence of Europe's energy sources affect the oil markets. But in the bunker market, the focus shifts to increasing activity of high five spreads and differentials for scrubber-fitted vessels, leaving bunker traders wondering what this means for their business. Will they be able to navigate these market trends and come out on top? Listen in to find out.Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction, The podcast episode will cover the impact of China's stimulus bill, the US debt ceiling discussions, and inflation on the freight and commodities market. 00:01:14 - The Significance of Base Metals, Nick explains how copper is a good economic indicator since it is used in building new homes and manufacturing. 00:08:03 - Iron Ore Update, The iron ore market has been volatile due to concerns over Chinese growth prospects and the state of the property market. 00:13:28 - Fuel Oil Update, Archie Smith obviously can't ignore his beloved West Ham's European final before diving into fuel oil updates! While there has been some recovery in demand, there is still overcapacity in the market. 00:15:21 - Output Cuts and Market Sentiment, We'll get an update on market sentiment amid these cuts. 00:17:03 - Russian Oil Revenue Hit, Russian oil and gas tax revenues took a 36% hit in May, due to a mix of sanctions, price cap, and Europe's increased energy independence. But what impact has this had on Russia's oil industry? 00:17:54 - Bunker Market Update, More on low sulfur cracks and their status forfor Sing and Euro!00:19:01 - Takeaways for Bunker Traders, | |||
| Brent reality, Russian threats and Nordstream gas pipe turn off | 07 Sep 2022 | 00:18:59 | |
In this week’s episode, we speak with the Head of Business Development, our Fuel Oil Broker and our Technical Analyst to look at what’s happening in the world of Freight, Iron Ore, and Oil. | |||
| Episode 22 | 26 Aug 2020 | 00:32:53 | |
Storm clouds are brewing in the US, but for now it's all clear at the FIS offices where the team are joined by Richard Heath, Senior Manager of Group Strategy at EEX, to discuss developments in the dry and container freight futures markets, together with our usual comment and analysis across FIS products Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Decoding Ammonia Market Barriers, Biden-McCarthy, OPEC and that Saudi-Russia situation | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:33:11 | |
In this episode:
The Future of Ammonia Market We talk with Kieran Walsh about the expected impact of green ammonia. The ammonia market is moving toward green ammonia, a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional grey ammonia. Green ammonia, which is produced using renewable energy through the process of electrolysis, has the potential to significantly reduce environmental impacts associated with grey ammonia, such as methane emissions. However, green ammonia production currently faces several challenges that need to be overcome, including capital investments, infrastructure, and fixed-price supply contracts to attract investors. The market is volatile and uncertain, but there is potential for green ammonia to have a significant impact on seaborne ammonia trade from the middle of next year. During the Freight Up! podcast, Richard Stevenson highlights ammonia's potential in energy transportation, mentioning its convenience in moving energy from one location to another, and its environmental benefits for net energy importers. He also noted the challenges faced by green ammonia, including the need for a fixed price offtake agreement to encourage investment in infrastructure by shipping companies. FIS has the Argus Northwest Europe Futures contract, which allows oil traders to manage risk and create speculative positions in green ammonia.We also talk with Archie Smith, Kerry Deal and Hao Pei.Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:01:11 - The Future of Ammonia Market, Richard Stevenson, Strategic Advisor to FIS, discusses the two buckets of the ammonia market, grey ammonia, and green ammonia, and the barriers to the adoption of green ammonia. 00:08:37 - The State of the Ammonia Market, Kieran Walsh, the ammonia broker, says that decarbonization efforts have made ammonia a key part of energy transition and decarbonization. 00:14:33 - Fuel Oil Market Update, Archie Smith, the fuel oil broker, says that the Brent Crude Futures Complex is still uncertain, but he hopes that the uncertainty will be lifted after the weekend. 00:15:16 - OPEC uncertainty, Archie Smith discusses the upcoming OPEC meeting and the uncertainty surrounding it with Russia hinting at no changes to quotas or production. 00:18:36 - Capes and Panamaxes, Kerry Deal reports on the struggles in the Capes market due to decreasing congestion at Chinese ports and slowing exports from Brazil. 00:23:10 - Ferrous Complex Outlook, Hao Pei shares insights from a shipping conference, including the expectation of a narrower price range for the Ferrous Complex in the second half of 2023. | |||
| Impact of Russian Sanctions on HSFO & Tariffs on Ferrous | 05 Feb 2025 | 00:20:14 | |
In this episode of "Freight Up", we're discussing the impact of Russian sanctions on HSFO and Tarrifs on ferrous. We also look at the wider shifts in the freight and bulk commodity markets. Hi, I'm Jess from the Freight Investor Services podcast team and I’m here to guide you through a packed agenda featuring expert insights that promise to arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate these turbulent times. We're kicking things off with updates from Ben Klang as he breaks down market responses to new international tariffs and their implications for dry freight. Then, we'll turn to Hao Pei for a detailed look at the impact of recent cyclones on iron ore supply and the subtle tug-of-war playing out between US and Australia over coking coal markets. And then Archie Smith and Lewis Johns bring significant updates on how Russian sanctions are rippling through the high-sulphur fuel oil sector. Timestamped summary00:00 Freight Markets & Economic Updates 03:52 Hurricanes Impact Australia's Iron Ore Supply 09:49 China's Manufacturing Slowdown Signals Concerns 12:31 Crude Futures Under Pressure 15:18 U.S. Crude Fills Europe's Supply Gap 18:39 Shipping Market Optimism Amid Risks | |||
| The longer term effects of Ukraine war on the freight and commodity markets | 24 Aug 2022 | 00:36:48 | |
On this week’s podcast we take a deep dive into the current scenario in freight and commodity markets as the war in Ukraine rages on, and we are joined by special guests from Lloyds List’s Bridget Diakun and Dave Osler. | |||
| EPISODE 21 | 19 Aug 2020 | 00:28:50 | |
The summer lull hasn't hit FIS as our 21st edition comes of age and we discuss Pirates, Brexit, Gas, Ferts and Tankers alongside our usual market commentary. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Fuel oil market tension and OPEC cliffhanger involving Saudi's energy minister | 25 May 2023 | 00:10:05 | |
Fuel Oil Update As the fuel oil market exhibits an absence of clear direction, corporate energy traders who rely on fuel oil may find themselves in a difficult situation. With environmental regulations and external factors at play, volatility is becoming a more common occurrence in the industry. This instability brings forth potential risks that can deeply impact businesses and their bottom lines. As a result, devising a strategic approach will be crucial in maneuvering through this tumultuous market. Archie Smith, during the conversation, mentions that the fuel oil market seems to be lacking apparent direction, with things such as OPEC meetings playing a role in market movements. And just what is the Saudi energy minister suggesting?Steel Update The steel market has also been showing signs of instability, partly due to external factors such as the ongoing US debt ceiling talks and Chinese HRC prices taking a hit. This has compelled European HRC prices to remain under pressure as well. Amid such uncertain market conditions, traders must consider mitigating risks through broader adoption of appropriate hedging techniques. Josh Stern shares an update on the steel market and how the European HRC price is affected by Chinese mills targeting Southeast Asian markets. Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Fernanda introduces the episode and the topics of discussion, which include the fuel oil market’s reaction to U.S. debt ceiling discussions and the upcoming OPEC meeting, as well as updates on the steel market. 00:00:44 - Fuel Oil Update, Archie Smith gives an update on the front sing time spreads, which have been well offered and sold down. He also discusses the low sulfur fuel or cracks and states that the market is lacking direction, but the fuel oil market is sensitive to geopolitical topics. Smith mentions that OPEC may step in again and slash production further than before, and the market is waiting for updates on U.S. debt ceiling talks. 00:07:48 - Steel Update, Josh Stern discusses the recent developments in the HRC space, where European HRC prices continue to be under pressure due to Chinese mills targeting the southeast Asian markets. Stern also talks about a study conducted by his team with Platts, which found scrap and rebar to be viable hedging products for wire rod exposure. More research is being done to find correlations between tradable exchange products and physical markets. 00:10:18 - Conclusion, Fernanda wraps up the episode and reminds listeners to check out the website for more information and show notes. | |||
| Episode 103 - 10/08/22 | 10 Aug 2022 | 00:28:09 | |
Return of the Podcast: Episode CIII - Where we take a look at the future prospects for the dry freight market, carbon markets, and shine a spotlight on the scrap market with our special guest Alberto Xodo at the LME. | |||
| EPISODE 20 | 12 Aug 2020 | 00:40:50 | |
Soy Castaway Podcast. Join us for our 20th edition, where we are joined by Chris Pardey our agriculture expert (outstanding in his field) as he joins in our panel discussion about freight and commodity markets. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Scrap's rising importance in the steel market and recovery in risk tolerance | 18 May 2023 | 00:20:55 | |
As steel prices continue to fall and demand remains low, a critical resource is becoming increasingly important - scrap. But with concerns over maintaining the supply of scrap, the scrap market is seeing significant volatility and a shift towards a contango environment. Will anyone be able to lock in profits and manage their cash flows amidst this perfect storm? Find out in this week's episode of Freight Up! from FIS.Fuel Market Update The fuel market bears significance to the steel industry due to geopolitical tensions in shaping the oil sector. Investors in the steel domain should be aware of events like the crackdown on imports of Indian fuel refined from Russian crude or America's plan to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Archie Smith shares his observations on the fuel market and its interplay with the steel industry. He discusses the EU's measures against Indian fuel imports from Russia and emphasizes the significance of the Sing 0.5 spread, high sulphur fuel oil cracks, and the resulting market squeeze. Steel Market Update Aspects of the steel market like demand from OEMs and interest rates have the power to drive changes in the physical markets. The industry has recently witnessed a shift in sentiment around scrap, making it an essential input for investors to track. The scrap curve moving into a contango environment and the overall volatility calls for investors to stay vigilant, lock in margins, and manage their cash flows in the face of these challenges. Joshua Stern offers his valuable insight on the steel market and talks about mis-pricings or opportunities arising from the ongoing challenges. Ferrous Complex Update Changes in global demand, supply chain disruptions, and environmental concerns can impact commodity markets, which in turn, affect the steel industry. Keeping an eye on the state of the commodity market provides crucial insights to investors for timely decision-making. One notable example is the recent spike in commodity prices, attributed to various factors such as Chinese demand, supply chain hiccups, and environmental considerations. This awareness of market movements can help steel investors make strategic moves and navigate through uncertainty. Hao Pei delves into the issues affecting the commodity market and its influence.Ask Hao Pei for his FIS Macro report by contacting him via LinkedInUSDA Predicts Increase in Chinese Corn Imports Kerry Deal shares his thoughts on the potential growth opportunities in the Panamax market, backed by the USDA's optimistic predictions about Chinese imports. He talks about his stance on Capes from a macro perspective, and highlights how he believes that the positive outlook for grain imports to China can result in a brighter path for the Panamax market in Q3. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:01 - Fuel Market Update 00:05:15 - Ferrous Complex Update00:09:20 - Steel Market Update00:14:45 - Opportunities in Mispricings 00:16:31 - Shocking Week for Cape Rates 00:18:03 - Panamaxes Present a Grim Picture 00:19:16 - USDA Predicts Increase in Chinese Corn Imports | |||
| A look at the trade flows and major issues facing the ferrous complex | 22 Jun 2022 | 00:23:29 | |
Iron ore, coking coal, and steel are the focus of this week’s podcast as we take a look at the trade flows and major issues facing the ferrous complex. All data quoted is from S&P Global Market Intelligence. | |||
| EPISODE 19 | 05 Aug 2020 | 00:30:50 | |
What is going on with this iron ore market? How come freight is flying again? Why is nothing moving on oil? Memes aside, join the team to discuss the week’s movements and idiosyncrasies. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| Oil market surge (US consumer price index knock on) and year on year CPR data means confidence? | 11 May 2023 | 00:18:12 | |
Investors who follow fuel oil markets - you need to listen to this episode! We've got some up to the moment news from Archie Smith on the jump in oil markets and year on year overall CPR data leading to new confidence! It's time to separate fact from fiction. Join our contributors Archie Smith, Joshua Stern, and Hao Pei as they share the truth about market movements so that you can get crucial insight and make informed investment decisions.Physical Market Liquidity We also discuss the liquidity in the physical markets with Joshua Stern. When risks in the steel industry increase, physical steel traders tend to look for ways to hedge their risks by utilizing various contracts, including the northwest European contract. In this episode Joshua discusses the importance of keeping an eye on steel market conditions due to the fluctuations in scrap prices and liquidity in the physical markets.For investors, it is crucial to remain informed about these levels of liquidity when making decisions about investments in the steel and freight industries.Neutral Outlook While the fuel oil, steel, and iron ore markets are continuously changing, the current consensus among our podcast guests is a neutral outlook in the short run.Investors are advised to closely monitor market fluctuations, risks, and valuations before making any decisions. The insights from Archie Smith, Joshua Stern, and Hao Pei in this episode underline the necessity of vigilance and adapting to the ever-changing nature of these markets. The importance of staying informed, understanding the complexities of market trends, and being prepared for potential shifts cannot be overstated for investors in the fuel oil, steel, and iron ore industries. Short Run Rebound of Iron Ore The iron ore market has experienced significant price fluctuations, causing iron ore contracts to reach unfavorable costs for many non-major miners.However, predictions indicate a potential short-run rebound in iron ore prices, driven by the current valuations and favorable steel margins. Hao Pei elaborates on this point in the podcast by noting that despite the high cost of iron ore contracts, there is potential for a short-lived rebound as valuations become more favorable in the near future. Investors monitoring the iron ore market should be prepared for these changes, but also mindful that the predicted rebound may not be sustainable in the long run.The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Fuel Oil Market Update 00:04:59 - Steel Market Update 00:09:32 - Physical Market Liquidity 00:11:06 - Ferrous Complex Update 00:14:56 - Short Run Rebound of Iron Ore 00:16:07 - Valuation and Outlook 00:17:33 - Neutral Outlook | |||
| Episode 101 - 15/06/22 | 15 Jun 2022 | 00:23:12 | |
All things oil this week on the podcast as we look at the flows of the world oil market, as well as updates on the dry freight, bunker and ferrous markets. | |||
| EPISODE 81 | 24 Nov 2021 | 00:19:59 | |
Freight and Iron Ore markets have found a floor, for the time being at least, hear about that and our other commodity markets on this week's podcast. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| EPISODE 18 | 29 Jul 2020 | 00:35:28 | |
This week geopolitics takes centre stage as the team discuss escalating China-US tensions weighing on markets, along with outlining current market trends in all of FIS's markets. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/ | |||
| The 5% drop! Banking concerns hit fuel oil and the paper market for both Cape size and Panamaxes looking 'lacklustre'. | 04 May 2023 | 00:10:06 | |
Are you a trader seeking to stay ahead of fuel oil market fluctuations? Listen to this episode and discover how Ricky Forman and Kerry Deal can provide you with valuable insight into the dynamic and ever-changing fuel oil market, giving you a heightened understanding of market sentiment and volatility."I'm naturally quite a risk adverse person. So when it comes to the market, I'm always a person that just believes in hedging and then moving on." - Ricky FormanOur guest speakers this week are Ricky Forman and Kerry Deal.Ricky Forman, a seasoned professional with FIS, shares his insights on the negative sentiment in the fuel oil market due to concerns surrounding banking sectors. He explains how news of First Republic Bank's bailout by JP Morgan and worse-than-expected manufacturing data from China have set the tone for a challenging week! Despite his affinity for the more carefree tunes of the 80s, Ricky talks us through his grappling with the weight of these issues that are causing shockwaves in the market. As he continues to observe the situation, he shares how he's noticed where the smart money had begun reversing... In this episode, you will be able to:
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| Episode 100 - 08/06/22 | 08 Jun 2022 | 00:29:52 | |
John Banaszkiewicz recalls the highlights from the history of the freight and commodity derivatives markets and we talk about the future in our 100th podcast episode special. | |||