Freight Up! Fuel oil, iron ore, steel and other commodity insights from Freight Investor Services cover image

Freight Up! Fuel oil, iron ore, steel and other commodity insights from Freight Investor Services

Latest episodes

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Sep 14, 2023 • 12min

Saudi & Russia Crude Production Cuts, Iron Ore's HUGE spike & new IEA Data

Saudi & Russia Crude Production Cuts, Iron Ore's HUGE spike & new IEA Data... Welcome back to Freight Up! It's the (mostly) weekly podcast from Freight Investor Services - or as we're more affectionately known - FIS.  I'm your host, Fernanda, and today we have a packed episode for you, including "The people's broker, Archie Smith" on the fuel market (and West Ham), and our Commodity Researcher Hao Pei gets to grips with the Ferrous market. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and get ready for an insightful journey into the world of shipping and commodities. Archie on the rising cost of crude Joining us today is Archie, our resident expert, who will be giving us a macro lens view of the fuel market. He explores the affect that the continuing cuts in production from Saudi and Russia are having, and discusses the impact the new IEA data could have on the markets. Iron ore spike We're reunited with Commodity Researcher Hao Pei who gets deep into the ferrous market.  He discusses the recent spike in Iron ore, the key drivers and it's sustainability. He also talks about predictions for this years Q4, and the reasons he thinks it will perform better than recent years. Here's the link to the FIS live appThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Aug 31, 2023 • 15min

Hurricane Idalia's making waves but not like the High Sulphur East West contract!

Archie discusses the impact of Hurricane Idalia on the fuel market, including concerns about production slowdowns. Conor Gilsenan shares exciting news about FIS's new physical oil initiative, explaining the differences between physical and paper markets.
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Aug 24, 2023 • 14min

Carbon offsets future: transparency in the emissions offset markets (Recast)

Decoding carbon offsets and exploring the voluntary carbon market with Viridios Capital Welcome back to Freight Up! It's the (mostly) weekly podcast from Freight Investor Services - or as we're more affectionately known - FIS.  In this week's episode, we’re revisiting an older conversation around the world of international shipping and its impact on greenhouse gases and carbon emissions trading. Producer Neal sits in for Fernanda and the rest of the Freight Up podcast team and recasts a previous episode of the podcast in which Kerry Deal and former host Chris Hudson had an intriguing conversation with Andrew Glass, Head of Sales and Partnerships for Viridios Capital. They discuss carbon offsets and emissions offset markets and the significance of addressing carbon footprints, the role of voluntary carbon markets, and the importance of transparency in pricing. Discover how technology and AI are revolutionising the market and paving the way for a more standardised and globally adopted approach. Listen in to gain insights into nature-based solutions and their impact on not only carbon sequestration but also on sustainable development goals. Whether you're new to Freight Up or have been with us from the start, this episode is sure to offer valuable knowledge and a fresh perspective on the industry. So hit play and let’s get into this captivating conversation on Freight Up!   Here's the link to the FIS live app Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:01 Greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, international shipping, net zero - implications, trading, market, pricing 00:03:37 Voluntary carbon market lacks transparency; one solution 00:06:59 Diverse EUA and voluntary carbon markets. Opportunity in nature-based carbon solutions 00:12:21 Exports come from overseas. Marketplace evolving, exciting challenge. Freight market shouldn't play games This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Aug 10, 2023 • 26min

Cape Market Update: Analyzing Support, Range Bound Conditions, and the Positives in the Market

Riding that freight rollercoaster once more with updates on the Cape, Panamaxes and Iron Ore! Welcome back to "Freight Up!", the podcast from Freight Investor Services that brings you all the latest news and insights from the world of freight and logistics.  In today's episode, we’re discussing the significant fall in price and aggressive moves that are shaking the industry. Joining us on the show are our industry experts Kerry Deal, Hao Pei, James Robinson, and Archie Smith, providing their unique perspectives on the current market landscape. We discuss the increase in volumes and short covering, as well as the impact of liquidating positions and the implications of waiting for the market to calm down. Listen in as we analyze the rise in interest and liquidity in specific contracts, such as cal 24 25 and 25 26, and delve into the intricate world of cal spreads. We also examine the influence of iron ore market volatility and its correlation with the macro market. Plus, we explore the factors driving the recovery of Australian thermal coal exports to China and the implications for rates. All this and more on today's episode of "Freight Up!" Crude oil prices surpass resistance levels due to positive economic outlook and low Chinese imports Archie discusses the recent surge in crude oil prices, which has seen prices surpass resistance levels. The primary reason for this upward momentum is a positive economic outlook and lower-than-expected crude oil imports from China. Firstly, the positive economic outlook plays a significant role in driving crude oil prices higher. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a report that increased GDP growth predictions and Brent price forecasts. This positive news has created optimism in the market, leading to increased demand for crude oil and thus higher prices. Secondly, the decline in Chinese crude oil imports has further contributed to the rally in crude oil prices. In June, Chinese imports of crude oil were weak, indicating reduced demand. This has raised concerns in the market about overall global demand for crude oil. However, despite this negative factor, the rally in crude oil prices suggests that the positive economic outlook and other factors outweigh the impact of lower Chinese imports. It's important to note that alongside these positive factors, there are also downward pressures on crude oil prices. For example, the weak Chinese crude oil imports in June suggest a potential slowdown in economic activity. Additionally, a stronger dollar can weigh down on the price of crude oil, as it makes it more expensive for countries with other currencies to purchase oil. Overall, the current situation in the crude oil market can be described as a pendulum, swinging between demand concerns and positive economic outlooks. The rally in crude oil prices due to surpassing resistance levels indicates a strong market sentiment. However, it remains to be seen how long this upward momentum can be sustained and whether other factors, such as Chinese imports and the strength of the dollar, will impact prices in the future. Market concerns rise as China's Country Garden misses bond payments due to liquidity stress Market concerns arising from China's Country Garden missing bond payments? This situation has caused liquidity stress and raised questions about the overall stability of the market. Country Garden, one of China's prominent house developers, failed to make bond payments, amounting to $22.5 million. The company claims that it is a short-term liquidity issue and plans to pay the coupons within 30 days. However, the market remains skeptical. Listen to learn why.   Here's the link to the FIS live app Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:44 Crude oil prices surpass resistance levels due to positive economic outlook and low Chinese imports. 00:03:29 Fuel oil market softens, cracks weaken. 00:07:08 Deflation could worsen consumer woes in China. 00:13:34 Market volatility, quiet periods, iron ore spike. 00:14:48 Market concerns rise as China's Country Garden misses bond payments due to liquidity stress. Correction likely due to crowded position and external factors impacting construction projects. 00:17:42 Optimized supply, balanced demand, correlation with commodities. 00:23:26 Panamaxes performing well, rates climbing steadily. Active market, supported rates, growing demand. 00:24:31 Paper slowly increases with doubts on capes.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Aug 3, 2023 • 14min

China's Politburo Meeting: How it Shapes the Iron Ore Market!

Insights from China's Politburo Meeting - James Robinson Shares Key Takeaways Are you interested in gaining insights into the potential impacts of China's Politburo meeting on the iron ore market? If so, this is the episode of our Freight Investor Services podcast for you.  This week on "Freight Up!", James Robinson will be sharing valuable information that can help you understand the impact of the meeting on the markets.  By listening in, you’ll be bang up to date with the knowledge needed to stay informed and make informed trading decisions if you’re dancing around Iron Ore markets. This week, Fernanda’s on her holidays so instead producer Neal hosts the show talking to fellow Freight Uppers Joshua Stern, Archie Smith and James Robinson! This week: Hidden Dynamics driving volatility The ongoing volatility in the crude oil market is notably interesting, driven by a myriad of factors such as the lack of Russian supply and high demand in regions like the Middle East and China. These dynamics are causing significant fluctuations in the high sulphur fuel oil market. Given this, anyone involved in the oil industry should pay keen attention to these shifts as they can result in far-reaching implications on a global scale. Seasonal Ebb and flow The steel market tends to show patterns of seasonal ebb and flow, currently witnessing a summer lull. Joshua Stern mentions that while the scrap markets and LME rebar are quiet, there's noteworthy activity in the US and EUHRC curves. Understanding these patterns can help businesses effectively navigate their operations and capitalize on market trends. Josh mentions you should keep an eye on the FIS LinkedIn articles page for his blog post with a deep dive into how basis risk affects various different players in the steel market! Far-reaching implications of China's Politburo meeting The recent Politburo meeting in China has stirred the iron ore market causing a rally in prices. However, the situation is complex as China faces considerable economic challenges including high levels of debt and potential deflation. These factors complicates China's ability to engage in typical debt-driven stimulus, creating a climate of uncertainty that has broad implications for the global iron ore market's Politburo meeting. Here's the link to the FIS live app Timestamped summary of this episode: 00:00:00 - Introduction and ‘housekeeping’ 00:01:03 - Oil Market Update - volatility 00:07:05 - Steel Market Update – catango? 00:09:42 - China's Iron Ore Situation – deflation coming?This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Jul 27, 2023 • 18min

Russia / Ukraine invasion: market impact update & IS steel 'summer lull' over?

The steel market 'summer lull' - is it over? The steel industry is undergoing something of a transformation. With the green movement propelling changes and the rising importance of scrap, stakeholders in the industry must be prepared for evolving market dynamics. While the summer slump is expected, the underlying changes are what will define the future of steel. In this week's episode of Freight Up, our Freight Investor Services podcast, we delve into that story, as well as getting the latest amid the political crisis in Ukraine. It's had a major ripple effect on global markets, particularly in the oil and steel markets. But what is that impact? Join me, Fernanda, as I chat with fellow Freight Uppers Joshua Stern, Archie Smith and Kerry Deal, and get the very latest! Oil dynamics: Sing spreads shock (and is that some support we spot for crude?) Archie Smith and I examine the latest trends and surprising movements in the oil market. Crude oil has shown notable support in recent times, with a rise of about 5% on the week. The market witnessed highs surpassing $83.80 per barrel in the Brent futures. But what's it all attributed to? Here's the link to the FIS live app Timestamped summary of this episode: (00:00:54) Summer lull (00:03:46) LME scrap contract - not much flow (00:09:20) Oil market movements (00:12:30) Violations of expectations and High Sulphur (00:14:16) Kerry's freight updateThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Jul 20, 2023 • 27min

Iron Ore's surge, container futures, and the financial report typo that cause a crude spike

Oil Price Fluctuations Our week started with some serious drama.  And our man Archie Smith was all over it, and reveals all to us in this episode.  Listen up to hear what led to him saying the below quote: "This has been quite an eventful week for oil". - Archie Smith You've honestly got to hear it to believe it! Archie Smith and James Robinson join us for more insight from the Fuel Oil and Iron Ore desks! We're joined for the first time by Peter Stallion. Excitingly, our 'Reuters famous' ferrous Freight Upper Hao Pei joins us for another update. And our Business Development manager Kerry Deal gives us our regular update on the Panamaxes.   China's Market Volatility: Navigating the Container Futures The container futures market is booming due to the launch of the Shanghai onshore Chinese exchange product, demonstrating the highly volatile nature of global markets. Oil demand has faltered due to weak Chinese consumption, pushing up market volatility. Additionally, dry bulk rates have plummeted due to increased efficiency at ports and lack of import demand. Here's the link to the FIS live app. Timestamped summary of this episode:   (00:00:00) Container Futures with Peter Stallion (00:05:07) Oil Market Volatility with Archie Smith (00:10:16) Capes & Panamaxes Weakness with Kerry Deal (00:15:12) Iron Ore Growth with James Robinson (00:20:55) Iron Ore Market Hao PeiThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Jul 13, 2023 • 38min

Mastering Market Trends: Unleash the Power of Technical Analysis to Transform Your Trading Strategy

Stay Ahead of the Game! Ed Hutton shares technical analysis insights with you Does this sound familiar?  You're constantly analysing market trends, trying to make sense of the fluctuating freight industry. But no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to grasp the bigger picture. You've been told to rely solely on fundamental analysis, but it's left you feeling frustrated and lost. The pain of missing out on profitable opportunities and making costly mistakes is overwhelming. It's time to break free from ineffective strategies and embrace the power of technical analysis. Hi, I'm Fernanda, your host of this great podcast and it's my job to ensure you're getting your fix of Freight Up fun this week. Join us in this episode of the Freight Up! podcast from FIS as we enlist the help of 'Freight Upper' Ed Hutton, and get more of an understanding of how to see market trends and unlock our path to success! As promised, here's the link to the FIS live app. We also get our first chat with Matthew Howarth talking with us about coking coal. Archie Smith and James Robinson join us for more insight from the Fuel Oil and Iron Ore desks!     And.. Decoding the dance! Unraveling the Intricacies of the Coking Coal Market... Literal uncharted waters this week, as we talk about the coking coal market for the first time on this podcast.  Do you ever wonder what goes on in the busiest trading sessions of the Singapore exchange, where deals between 2KT to 10KT are the norm? Are you curious about what influences the ebb and flow of this global market, and how various physical, financial, and trading house players impact it? What role does China, the major onshore player, play in shaping the market trends? And how does weak demand in China or overall global demand affect the coking process and the market's dynamics? Intriguingly, the market's reactions to bearish conditions have been anything but ordinary. What causes buying interest to surge when prices dip, only to rebound again gradually? And why are traders from Singapore and Australia predicting a further drop in PLV coke and coke prices, potentially to as low as 200 per ton? As you consider these questions, you may find yourself intrigued by the chess game of market reactions - the anticipation, the retreats, the calculated re-entries. There's a peculiar rhythm to it, a dance of sorts. It's not just about trading, it's about understanding the pulse of the market, it's about staying one step ahead of the game... Timestamped summary of this episode:   00:01:04 - OPEC Cuts and Weak Demand Outlook 00:04:05 - High Sulfur Fuel Oil Market Volatility 00:08:29 - Fertilizer Market Reset and Grain Price Impact 00:09:50 - Recap of Q2 Fertilizer Market 00:15:35 - The Importance of Fertilizer Options 00:18:29 - Challenges in the Chinese Steel Industry 00:21:30 - Panamax and Capesize Rates 00:22:32 - Steel Market Analysis 00:28:17 - Iron Ore Market Update 00:29:27 - Steel Production Cuts in China 00:30:09 - Concerns About the Chinese Economy 00:31:25 - Bleak Outlook for the Property Market 00:31:52 - Surging Steel Exports 00:33:14 - Market Skepticism and Iron Ore Futures  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Jul 6, 2023 • 43min

We need to talk about Tangshan! Freight chat: fuel oil market volatility & fertilizer options

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 complex puzzle with multiple moving pieces – each one impacting and influenced by the other! Recap of Q2 Fertilizer Market The fertilizer market is in a period of transition. Moving from the bustling spring season to the more laid-back summer fill season, the market has quietened considerably. Traders are now holding their breath in anticipation of fill programs being announced. These programs encourage buying, and could potentially lead to a price increase. But there are plenty of macro factors to keep an eye on - natural gas prices, grain market volatility, and geopolitical tensions to name a few. Taylor Eastman takes a detailed dive into the low hum of the fertilizer market activity. Splashing some optimism in his commentary, he notes that this spring season proved less volatile than previous ones. Prices seemed to have stabilized after the initial jitters. Looking ahead, Taylor shares his key takeaways for attentive listeners - a good market watcher never sleeps! The Importance of Fertilizer Options Risk management is a crucial part of everyday business operations. For businesses operating in the fertilizer supply-chain, price-risk is a daily conundrum. Enter fertilizer options - a relatively new instrument that allows businesses to navigate through the price turbulence. Listen to the episode to learn more about this interesting new... option! Timestamped summary of this episode:   00:01:04 - OPEC Cuts and Weak Demand Outlook 00:04:05 - High Sulfur Fuel Oil Market Volatility 00:08:29 - Fertilizer Market Reset and Grain Price Impact 00:09:50 - Recap of Q2 Fertilizer Market 00:15:35 - The Importance of Fertilizer Options 00:18:29 - Challenges in the Chinese Steel Industry 00:21:30 - Panamax and Capesize Rates 00:22:32 - Steel Market Analysis 00:28:17 - Iron Ore Market Update 00:29:27 - Steel Production Cuts in China 00:30:09 - Concerns About the Chinese Economy 00:31:25 - Bleak Outlook for the Property Market 00:31:52 - Surging Steel Exports 00:33:14 - Market Skepticism and Iron Ore Futures This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
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Jun 29, 2023 • 12min

Iron ore and fuel oil rallies: Chinese Premier Li's words have impact on prices!

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  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

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