Hedging, Monetary Policy, and Oil Swings: Insights from FIS’s Latest PodcastThis 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: FIS Perfectly Hedged Consultancy Trafigura Politico LME CME SGX ICE Citadel GMI
This latest episode of Freight Up tracks the markets with a strong focus on capesize bulk carriers and the shifting opportunities in iron ore spreads.I’m Jess, and alongside Davide, I’ll be steering you through what’s been a dynamic couple of weeks across freight and commodity markets. This week, we dig into why the capesize segment has outperformed, the forces shaping paper and physical market moves, and how macroeconomic shifts in China and the West are starting to make their mark. We also welcome Ben Klang for a guided walk through the supply side changes impacting vessel values and orders, and bring in Hao Pei from Shanghai for a deep dive on iron ore and coking coal. To tie it all together, Archie Smith closes with an update on what’s shaping fuel oil and crude benchmarks, and why it’s been a sideways stretch for paper spreads.If you listen in, you’ll get a clear overview of how China’s latest manufacturing PMI numbers and consumer price dips are casting a shadow, putting a tighter squeeze on iron ore and freight rates. We cover the upturn in capes, with spot indices making their highest push yet this year, gains on FFAs, and a turnaround in Panamaxes driven by robust South American grain flows. Ben helps make sense of the slowdown in secondhand vessel sales, explaining why average vessel ages are climbing and why scrapping is nearly at a standstill, even as demand feels subdued. We break down the logic: owners are holding onto older tonnage, newbuild orders have fallen to historic lows, and low earnings are nudging many to wait for clearer regulatory and market signals before acting. This creates a backdrop of supply that’s hard to clear, explaining the persistent pressure on rates.From the commodities desk, Hao Pei explains what’s behind the compression in the MB65-P62 iron ore spread, pointing to an unusually loose supply of premium ore, increased concentrate shipments, and why investors see more upside than risk at these levels. The episode also unpacks a sharp rebound in coking coal, as policy rumours and production cuts meet sustained low demand—a situation that looks precarious but sets the stage for future price action. Finally, Archie brings the fuel oil discussion up to date: crude oil’s recent climb is reviewed alongside OPEC’s output strategies and why Singapore’s high-sulphur fuel oil spreads have cooled. There’s especial attention on arbitrage opportunities and the persistent strength of European very low sulfur fuels compared to their Asian counterparts.By the time you’ve finished listening, you’ll be able to identify the major factors currently moving the key freight indices for capes and panamaxes, understand how vessel age and supply trends are affecting rates, and spot where different market players are seeing opportunity or sitting back. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of the iron ore and coal market mechanics, and you’ll have better insight into the drivers behind recent fuel oil and crude benchmark performances. Whether you’re looking to inform a trade, better time a market entry, or just get a precise read on what’s shaping dry bulk and commodity shipping, this episode will give you the ground-level detail and wider context you need.
Iron ore has seen a sharp drop recently, and high sulphur fuel oil cracks have surged to levels not seen before—two standout moves that framed this episode of Freight Up. Hi I’m Jess, and alongside Davide and the team, we walk you through what’s really driving these changes in dry bulk freight and associated commodity markets. You'll get to listen in at how macroeconomic shifts, from British and Chinese output data to volatile US producer prices, ripple through to capesize, panamax, and supramax freight rates. We pull apart the data to give you a snapshot of who’s gaining, who’s losing, and crucially, why those shifts matter for your business or your market view.Ben Klang takes us through the past two weeks on the freight desk, describing how minor volatility in the cape market was quickly tempered as fixtures came through and macro tensions eased. If you’re watching iron ore, we cover the steep pullback, tied less to headlines and more to solid fundamentals: declining pig iron output in China, seasonal maintenance, and looming Indian monsoon slowdowns. Hao Pei shares why these are seasonal and not panic-worthy moves, even if some investors have visions of iron ore dropping into the low $70s. On oil and bunkers, Archie Smith delivers a concise summary: crude markets haven’t escaped their range, with all eyes on the upcoming OPEC meeting, while high sulphur fuel oil cracks—historically always negative—have broken into positive territory, even hitting plus $4 in Singapore. Timestamped summary00:00 China's Industrial Growth Slows06:25 Capesize Market Challenges Persist07:03 Capesize Cargo Volumes Rising11:49 "Market Shifts Impact Iron Ore Demand"14:59 OPEC Meeting and Crude Price Outlook16:47 Record-High Crack Spread Highlights TrendsDownload the FIS Live app! - https://freightinvestorservices.com/
The main story across freight and commodities over the past fortnight has been the headline-making 90-day tariff reduction between the US and China. Hi, I’m Jess, and on this episode of Freight Up, myself and Davide unpack how this policy shift has tempered volatility and delivered a short-term lift to otherwise flat markets. Ben Klang joins us after a busy run of industry events, detailing the impact on dry freight—where Capesize contracts saw a fleeting rebound before losing ground, and smaller Panamax and Supramax rates remained lacklustre. We’ll investigate the cautious optimism on the macro front, following stubborn inflation and steady US employment numbers. We'll also take a closer look at iron ore and steel markets, with regional insights you won’t want to miss. From Shanghai, Hao Pei explores iron ore’s resilience—even as tariffs shift—and the mounting influence of port logistics in Peru and ongoing maintenance cycles in China. Timestamped summary00:00 Mixed Inflation and Market Stability03:32 Cape Size Contract Fluctuations08:06 Steel Tariffs Impact and Trade Dynamics10:44 FOBCC Market Outlook Uncertain13:24 US Steel Market Challenges18:10 "Spot Price Drop Forecasted"Website Check out FIS Live - https://www.fis-live.com/
Markets this week have been shaped by a volley of global events, each leaving its mark on commodities and freight. We’ve seen flat performances across dry freight indexes, despite slight gains in Capesize and Panamax sectors, and a muted Supramax uptick offset by minor losses in Handys. Oil and equity markets? Responding to political developments, most notably in the US, as tariffs and policy uncertainty weigh on sentiment. If you’re following the impact of US and Canadian politics on trade, this episode provides a timely overview. Chris Hudson joins me, Davide, to break down the effects of Trump’s executive orders and tariffs on North America’s cross-border commodity trade, alongside the newly-elected Prime Minister Carney’s reaction in Canada. We flag the difficulties market participants are facing as they try to adapt to “wait and see” conditions, with S&P volatility, shifting border policy, and tariff unpredictability creating new risks. The episode also explores the knock-on effects for currencies and global commodity pricing, tracking the Fed’s interest rate stance and its implications for everything priced in dollars. You'll get a first-hand view on how global supply chains are being tested by changing political rhetoric, and what this means for iron ore, coking coal, and dry freight trends moving into May.Timestamps00:00 Market Volatility Amid News Overload03:36 U.S. Politics: Executive Orders & Market Trends08:24 Trump Era Politics & Economic Insights09:54 Trump Criticises Powell on Rates14:41 Uncertainty in Economic Forecasting16:49 Decarbonisation Challenges and Economic Priorities21:46 US Tariff Easing Boosts Markets24:14 Australian Coking Coal Market Rebounds
This podcast episode delves into the pressing topic of the current state of the freight and commodity markets, particularly in the context of the influence of Donald Trump’s administration. The discussion initiates with an analysis of recent fluctuations in key commodity prices, including significant declines in dry freight markets and iron ore values. Subsequently, I engage in a comprehensive dialogue with Richard Stephenson, CEO of Freight Fix, who elucidates the evolving dynamics of global trade patterns and the ramifications of tariffs instituted under Trump’s economic policies. We critically assess the historical context leading to the present circumstances, identifying the long-term effects of financialization and the geopolitical shifts that have emerged in response to these policies. As we navigate through these complexities, we underscore the necessity for traders and stakeholders to adapt to an increasingly interconnected and shifting economic landscape.Takeaways:The podcast discussed the recent downturn in dry freight markets, indicating significant rate drops since mid-March. Richard Stephenson elaborated on Freight Fix's analytical approach to shipping and trade, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. The conversation highlighted the impact of Donald Trump's policies on global trade, particularly tariffs and their consequences. The hosts noted the historical context of U.S. trade dynamics, tracing back to the post-war era and economic shifts. A significant point raised was the transformation of trade patterns due to tariffs, affecting traditional routes and buyer-supplier relationships. The discussion concluded with reflections on the future of trade, emphasizing the increased importance of regional collaborations over traditional dependencies. Links referenced in this episode:freightfix.comfisglobal.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: FIS Freightfix Donald Trump OPEC BYD Tesla JP Morgan Pershing Square
If you’re looking to gain an understanding of how the steel industry is transforming, then this episode of "Freight Up" is for you. 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. In our latest episode, we're diving into the dynamic world of electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and their impact on the US steel market. As we're joined by Ali Oktay, a Senior Analyst at S&P Global Commodity Insights, alongside our other expert guests, we'll be dissecting how the shift to EAFs is adding new steel capacity in the US and reshaping the market landscape. EAFs have been pivotal in transitioning the US steel market, adding about 20 million tons of EAF sheet melting capacity since 2017, and they offer several economic and operational benefits, including quicker production adjustments and potential lower production costs. This episode is set to provide you with deep insights into how these developments are pushing pricing ceilings and influencing future trends across global markets.One key takeaway beyond the innovation of EAFs is how global market trends and trade policies are influencing demand and supply within the US steel market. Ali discusses how recurring themes, such as trade policy, play fundamental roles in reshaping competitive contexts for US steel.
In this episode, we explore significant price fluctuations in the iron ore market with Hao Pei decoding the impacts of China's crude steel restrictions and market rumours on iron ore prices. 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. This episode we ask why coking coal prices are being corralled or which forces in the Middle East might unsettle the stabilizing oil market? Hao unravels these subjects and offers insights into potential market trends. Meanwhile, Archie Smith tackles fuel oil market intricacies, detailing price behaviours and geopolitical factors that traders must watch. As the world shifts closer to sustainable energy solutions, our captivating battery metals segment features Abex Commodity Futures Exchange’s Joe Raja and Sascha Lefschitz. They share with us the course of innovative futures contracts and how they're reshaping risk management, offering traders more robust tools for the evolving battery landscape.Timestamped summary00:00 China: Deflation, Growth, and Shipping Trends03:30 Iron Ore Market Volatility08:36 Ukraine War Truce and Oil Impact13:33 Rare New Futures Exchange Launch17:02 Launching Nickel and Lithium Contracts20:25 Comprehensive Risk Management Tool21:51 Subscribe for Biweekly Freight PodcastLinks referenced in this episode:abex.comfislive.comfreightinvestorservices.comlinkedin.com
This is Freight Up, the place where we unpack the labyrinth that is the freight and commodity markets. I'm Jess, one of your guides on this voyage, alongside my co-host Davide. In this episode, we'll be diving headfirst into the current resurgence of the freight market with Ben Klang, while parsing through the intricacies of iron ore's recent pullback with Hao Pei. To wrap things up, Archie sheds light on the tumultuous happenings in the fuel oil market. First up, the freight market. If you’ve been watching, you’ll know the Capesize market is on an upswing after a spell of lukewarm rates. Ben Klang spills the details on what’s driving the surge and whether it's here to stay. As we transition from freight to raw materials with Hao Pei, we dissect the iron ore market, which has seen a significant dip. Hao highlights the high production levels in Australia and Brazil that have weighed on prices and draws out the influence of macroeconomic factors, such as the ongoing trade tensions. We finish up with Archie’s view on the fuel oil market as we explore how recent moves in crude prices and geopolitical factors, like OPEC's supply decisions and increasing tariffs, have stirred volatility. Timestamped summary00:00 Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Shifts04:27 Cape Size Market Boosts Dry FFAs 08:52 Capesize Trading Surpasses Panamax12:25 China's Economy: Potential Market Volatility15:26 Iron Ore Market Strategy Awaited16:30 Iron Ore Market Strategy22:35 Fuel Oil Market Dynamics23:47 Subscribe for Freight Updates
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.
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 Updates03:52 Hurricanes Impact Australia's Iron Ore Supply09:49 China's Manufacturing Slowdown Signals Concerns12:31 Crude Futures Under Pressure15:18 U.S. Crude Fills Europe's Supply Gap18:39 Shipping Market Optimism Amid Risks
Hello, Jess here from Freight Up! Welcome to our latest episode, "Navigating 2025 - Freight Market Trends, Tariff Turbulence, and Green Horizons." In this episode, we take a serious deep dive into the current dynamics reshaping the freight and bulk commodity markets as we enter 2025. You'll hear our discussions on the latest economic data from the US and China, key trends in the dry bulk market, and the impact of new greenhouse gas regulations. If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market, this episode is packed with insights you'll want to hear.We kick things off with a detailed look at recent economic developments. In our discussion with Ben Klang, we tackle the supply-demand dynamics in the dry bulk market. Ben gives us a grim outlook: a sluggish Chinese economy, Trump's proposed tariffs, and the geopolitical landscape all suggest impact.00:00 China's Growth, Inflation, and Trade Updates04:06 2025 Dry Bulk Market Outlook07:45 Capesize Stabilises, Panamax Falls09:56 US Politics Drive Oil Price Fluctuations
Welcome to a special episode of Freight Up, our last for the year! As we head into the holiday season, today's episode is packed with everything you need to get up to speed with the latest happenings in the freight and commodity markets. Whether you're taking a break from the Christmas rush or wrapping up your year-end strategies, you won't want to miss this detailed analysis of market trends, economic indicators, and expert forecasts.First up, Davide kicks things off with an update on the key market movements over the past two weeks. We’ve seen some significant job growth in the US, with 227,000 jobs added in November, but this hasn't been enough to counter ongoing challenges in the freight markets. For instance, the Capesize index has plummeted. Our analysts Ed and Hao Pei dive deep into the technical and fundamental aspects of these trends, providing an illuminating discussion on what's driving the market's bearish outlook and what we might expect as we move into 2025.After listening, you'll walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the freight and bulk commodities markets. You'll learn about the impacts of Chinese industrial performance and US economic data on market movements, how the Panamax and Supramax segments are faring, and the projections for the iron ore market in the coming year. This knowledge will equip you with actionable insights to adjust your strategies accordingly, be it for short-term trading or long-term investment planning. So, sit back, put down your WSJ or Times newpaper, grab another cuppa, and let's make sense of the markets together on this festive edition of Freight Up.Links referenced in this episode:fis.liveCompanies mentioned in this episode: Boeing Freight Investor Services Capesize C3 C5 Panamax Supramax C3 C5 FIS Live China India EU
In this episode of Freight Up, we tackle the major shifts and trends in the freight and bulk commodity markets that have unfolded over the last two weeks. I'm Jess, and together with Davide, we'll guide you through the latest developments, featuring insights from our guests, Hao Pei, and Archie Smith. If you're keen to understand the dynamics currently shaping iron ore, steel, and fuel oil, this episode is essential listening.We'll kick things off with an update on the economic indicators from major markets like the UK, Japan, and Germany. You'll learn how inflation trends are diverging in these countries and the implications for global trade. Moving forward, we delve into manufacturing activities in China and the U.S., examining their impact on the freight indices. We'll break down the significant downturn in shipping indexes, detailing the struggles faced by the Capesize, Panamax, Supramax, and Handysize segments. By focusing on these movements, you'll gain a clearer picture of the pressure points in global shipping.We'll discuss the turmoil in the dry bulk market, especially the surprising drop in freight rates during what is typically a peak period because of China's year-end restocking. We'll address the role of geopolitical events, such as the typhoon in China, and market holidays like Thanksgiving in the U.S., that have contributed to market sluggishness. With Hao Pei's expert take on global steel tariffs and China's internal housing market stimuli, and Archie Smith's deep dive into the high sulphur fuel oil market shifts, you'll come away with actionable insights. By listening to this episode, you'll be equipped to make informed decisions, anticipate market movements, and leverage the latest trends in the freight and commodity markets. Don't miss out on these critical updates that can shape your strategies in the weeks to come.
Key Freight Indices and Iron Ore Rebound ExplainedThe key movements and news of the markets followed by us at Freight Investor ServicesHello, and welcome to this week's Freight Up podcast. I'm Jess. Together with Davide, we'll guide you through this episode, packed with insights and analysis. Today, we're covering a lot of info despite Archie Smith missing our segment on fuel oil. We'll kick things off with the latest updates in the freight market, diving into index movements over the last two weeks. From the steady but modest shifts in the Panamax market to the more dramatic fluctuations in Capesize contracts, we'll give you the detailed breakdown you need to understand these currents. Next up, we're diving into the iron ore sector with insights from Hao Pei in Shanghai. As Hao discusses, the iron ore index saw a rise and fall this week. He analyses the geopolitical and economic factors that contributed to these movements. Hao's analysis will equip you with a nuanced understanding of how global events shape this crucial commodity market. We also touch upon the coking coal market.For more detailed analysis and up-to-the-minute insights, make sure you're subscribed to our podcast and following us on LinkedIn. You can also get the Freight Investor Services app, FIS Live, to never miss a beat. Remember, staying informed is key to staying ahead. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Freight Up. See you in two weeks for our next episode delving into the freight and commodity markets.
How the US Election Impacts Freight and Commodity MarketsWelcome back to Freight Up, the premier podcast from Freight Investor Services where we dissect and explore the major movements and current developments in the freight and bulk commodity markets. We're Jess and Davide, and we'll be your guides today as we delve into a special episode centered on the recent US Elections and their implications for our industry. Joining us are experts Archie Smith, and Hao Pei, who will share their unique insights on how the election results might shift our markets. By listening in today, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the political landscape influences freight and commodity trading, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.In this episode, we'll kick things off with a comprehensive freight update. From the latest news in the American job market to the latest index movements, we've got you covered. As we transition to specific commodities, we take a closer look at how the US elections are likely affecting iron ore and fuel oil markets. We learn the potential impacts, particularly focusing on dry bulk markets and how Trump's probable victory might reignite trade tensions with China, affecting grain and steel exports. Hao connects the dots between geopolitical movements and China's proactive fiscal policies. Finally, Archie examines how the election results are already causing ripples in the fuel oil market, shedding light on the immediate bearish impact on crude oil prices following Trump's rise and the longer-term implications of tariff impositions. Links referenced in this episode:FreightInvestorservice.comFIS LiveCompanies mentioned in this episode: Freight Investor Services Kaizen General Service FIS Live
Hello and welcome to another insightful episode of Freight Up, the freight and commodity podcast from Freight Investor Services. I'm Jess, and alongside my co-host Davide, we're here to bring you up to speed on the latest market movements and trends in the freight and bulk commodity sectors. Today's episode, "Falling Capes amid Chinese Stimulus" promises to be a compelling mix of critical market analysis and expert insights. We're joined by Archie Smith and Hao Pei, each with their wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives.First off, we'll dive into the recent dry FFA movements where the absence of impactful stimuli from China has had a significant effect. Capesize vessels have particularly felt the brunt. We explore why this is happening and discuss how Panamaxes and smaller vessels are faring in this tricky market. Jess and Davide will break down what this means for traders and investors.Next, we're thrilled to have Hao Pei from our Shanghai office take us through the mid-October iron ore correction. We'll dissect the causes behind this correction and explore the short-to-midterm outlook for iron ore. Is this a temporary blip, or are there deeper issues at play? By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the dry FFA markets, insights into the iron ore sector, and a clear picture of what's driving the fuel oil markets. Whether you're trading, investing, or simply interested in staying informed, this episode will provide you with actionable insights to navigate the ever-changing landscape of freight and commodities. Timestamped summary00:00 China grows, Japan's inflation falls, shipping declines.04:58 Panamax market faced weekly losses, slight recovery.09:20 Iron ore market volatile amidst uncertain factors.11:15 China's hot metal consumption significantly influences markets.14:14 Market calms; focus on Israel's next move.
This episode of Freight Up delves into the complexities of the oil market amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, focusing on the significant impact these events have on global oil prices. Hosts Jess and David are joined by experts to discuss the recent fluctuations in oil, including the spike in Brent crude prices following geopolitical developments and the underlying economic factors contributing to market shifts. The conversation extends to dry freight and iron ore, with insights from analysts on the latest market movements and trends, particularly in relation to China's economic landscape. Additionally, the episode addresses the implications of recent hurricanes on oil production in the U.S. Gulf Coast and how these natural events intertwine with broader market dynamics. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of freight and commodity markets, highlighting the intricate relationships between geopolitics, economics, and environmental factors.Takeaways: The podcast highlights the recent volatility in oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Iron ore prices have seen significant fluctuations, influenced by Chinese economic activity and inventory levels. Recent hurricanes in the US Gulf Coast have temporarily impacted oil supply and prices. The discussion emphasized the importance of macroeconomic indicators affecting both oil and dry freight markets. Market sentiment remains cautious as uncertainties around OPEC cuts and global demand persist. China's changing tax policies on imported oil could significantly affect refinery operations and crude demand. Companies mentioned in this episode: Chevron BP Shell
Summer Break Recap and Market Updates Hello listeners, and welcome back to another episode of Freight Up, the freight and commodity podcast of Freight Investor Services. I'm Jess, and alongside my co-host Davide, we're thrilled to guide you through the latest updates in the major freight and bulk commodity markets. It's been a busy few months since our summer break, and today we have a packed line-up for you.First, the latest news from the UK, US, China, and Japan, examining their economic landscapes and key index movements. Then, the dry freight market with insights from our regular expert, Ben Klang, who will break down the weekly gains and fluctuations across vessel segments. Next, we'll shift our focus to the iron ore market with Hao Pei from our Shanghai office, who will analyse the significant price hikes influenced by the Chinese PBOC's stimulus package. Finally, Archie Smith will give us all the details on the volatile fuel oil markets, covering everything from crude price swings to high and low sulphur oil trends.It's a comprehensive look at the state of the industry, packed with expert insights and crucial market data. So, click play, as we bring you the most up-to-date analyses on Freight Up!Timestamped summary00:00 China's industrial growth slows; Japan's inflation rises.04:33 Weekly vessel gains amid fluctuating Cape and Panamax.09:19 Iron ore prices surged due to unexpected Chinese policy changes.13:47 Short-term oil support: Chinese efforts, US storms.15:03 Fuel prices fluctuating heavily, high sulphur premium in Europe.
Welcome back to "Freight Up," your go-to podcast for insights into the major freight and bulk commodity markets from FIS. I'm your host, Jess. We'll start with our regular guest Ben Klang providing the latest updates on the dry freight markets across all vessel segments. Ben will discuss recent trends, index movements, and key drivers shaping the freight landscape.Next, we have a special segment focusing on the US steel industry with Martin Vera, a senior commodities broker, and Catherine Wang, a steel desk broker, joining us from our US offices. They'll share insights on US HRC futures, the unique aspects of the US steel market, current volatility, and future outlooks. We'll also touch on the impact of Mexican steel imports and the state of US domestic raw steel production.Rounding out the episode, Hao Pei is back to give us the latest on ferrous products, including a closer look at recent developments in the iron ore and coking coal markets.Listen in for an informative discussion on freight, steel, and ferrous commodities, as we navigate the complexities and opportunities in these dynamic markets. You won't want to miss it!00:00 Jess with the freight market update.04:22 Rates hit high, trading mostly range-bound.10:33 US steel industry: 80 million tons yearly, electric arc furnaces dominant.12:15 Implied volatility on front end contracts at 25%.16:36 Difficulty in steel production led to price spikes.19:09 US steel producers foresee price rebound in 2024.22:21 Iron ore correction, train impact, China equities.