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

Our guest this episode is Professor Nikos Nomikos, an expert in shipping trade and finance. He has experience in researching freight derivatives and their use in managing freight exposure for shipping companies. In an insight packed 20 minutes on the Freight Up podcast from FIS he notes that charters are more active in the freight derivatives market than ship owners, who primarily focus on managing costs to survive the volatile shipping markets. However, shipping is an industry ripe for investment due to its role in facilitating the vast majority of global trade. So there's a suggestion that institutional investors could benefit from considering one key change to their portfolio. Chapters:00:00:00 Expert In Shipping Finance And Trade: Balancing Academia And Industry Experience00:03:10 Our expert's Journey Towards Freight Derivative Studies.00:06:30 Educating About The Benefits Of Trade Derivatives For Managing Risk And Creating A Balanced Portfolios00:12:35 Institutional Investment In Shipping IndustryKey Takeaways: 1. Shipping is responsible for 92% of global trade, making it a potential opportunity for portfolio diversification.2. Shipping exposure is not a mainstream topic and is not a significant part of institutional investment portfolios.3. The speaker suggests that the paper market may play a more important role in determining the spot freight market in the future, as seen in other commodity markets such as crude oil.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

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: Uncover the impact of banking sector concerns on the fuel oil market's negativity. Learn how to use hedging strategies to combat fuel oil market volatility. Get the lowdown on the health of the North Atlantic freight market. Find out why stagnation is affecting the Panamax market. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

The latest episode of "Freight Up" our freight and commodities market podcast provides more insights into the current state of the market, from our various desks. This week our correspondents offer updates on various commodities, including crude, oil, steel, ferrous and fertilizer. As always, they're offer our listeners analysis and advice to help traders make informed decisions.One key takeaway from the episode is that crude oil prices have dipped below $81 per barrel due to the impact of the First Republic Bank run. However, the API's weekly oil inventory report has provided some support, and traders should keep an eye on the market for any changes.Another important point discussed in the episode is that steel prices have dropped recently, with scrap markets down about 29.5-30 bucks since the start of the month and rebar's down 50. The fertilizer market is tough right now, with mill margin trades not exactly recommended due to market conditions. However, prices have been on the uptrend lately, and volatility is expected to decrease soon. Buyers of fertilizer might want to wait it out a little for better prices.Finally, the high sulphur euro crack is currently under supply tightness due to the lack of Russian high sulpher fuel supply post-sanctions. Traders should keep an eye on this market for any changes.Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the commodities markets and offers analysis and advice to help traders make informed decisions. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting out, this episode is definitely worth a listen.Key points you'll hear covered in this episode: Crude prices have dipped below $81 per barrel due to the impact of the First Republic Bank run, but the API's weekly oil inventory report has provided some support. Keep an eye on the market for any changes. Steel prices have dropped recently, with scrap markets down about 29.5-30 bucks since the start of the month and rebar down 50. The fertilizer market is tough right now, with mill margin trades not recommended due to market conditions. However, prices have been on the uptrend lately, and volatility is expected to decrease soon. The high sulphur euro crack is currently under supply tightness due to the lack of Russian high sulphur fuel supply post-sanctions. Keep an eye on this market for any changes. Buyers of fertilizer expect better prices if they wait it out. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

Are you wondering about the impact of the G7 price cap on Russian crude oil, or the relationship between the cyclone in Western Australia and freight rates? Ignore all the noise around the complex web of speculation and misinformation. Get the latest insights directly from the experts. G7 Price Cap on Russian OilIn the world of the fuel oil market, there have been discussions around the current $60 per barrel price cap set by G7 nations on Russian Euros crude. This cap has stood untested for quite some time, but recent developments in the market have raised questions surrounding its effectiveness. With Russia experiencing a surge in export revenues, our industry expert Archie Smith ponders whether it may be time for a re-evaluation of the cap and its impact on the market as a whole. This topic deserves attention as it could lead to potential shifts in the global oil market and future trade strategies. Impact of Cyclone in Western AustraliaThe recent cyclone that struck Western Australia has had significant consequences for commodity markets, particularly due to its effect on cargo movement in and out of Brazil. These disruptions can lead to further shifts in the industry, as supply chains are affected and businesses must adjust their operations to minimize any losses. Understanding the aftermath of this cyclone and how it may continue to influence these markets can be useful data. In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the implications of the G7 price cap on the Russian crude oil market. Delve into how the recent cyclone in Western Australia influenced freight rates. Assess the effect of Brazil's cargo slowdown on C3 freight rates. Discover the prowess of China's blast furnace utilization at maximum capacity. Explore the potential gains of steel production using scrap metal. Follow Freight Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast. Email questions, comments, or chat with experts at freightup@freightinvestor.com. Attend the Freight Investor Services Cobalt Congress in Istanbul from May 8th to 11th to discuss battery metals with Kerry Deal and Jack Nathan. Connect with our Freight Up guys! Here are the links to Archie Smith, Kerry Deal and Hao Pei This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

An update from steel market expert Joshua Stern rounds up the freight up talk in this week's episode. We also learn how the market's contending with the devastating effects of a natural disaster in Turkey.In this episode, you will learn: The Euro scrubber spread's effect on fuel oil market and vessel values. Gain insights into the trends and rates of Cape and Panamax shipping markets. Recognize the growth of steel market through hot rolled coil as a crucial indicator. Acquire knowledge on risk management via derivative contracts for smaller businesses. Discover the role of ESG and repercussions of natural disasters on the steel industry. Steel Market Update The steel market has experienced growth in recent times, particularly concerning hot rolled coil (HRC), which serves as an indicator of the market's health and liquidity. The success seen in the HRC market has created optimism and generated interest among industry professionals in exploring risk management strategies. These positive trends have contributed to an increase in trade volume, particularly in the EU HRC market, setting records during the start of the year. Overall, these developments in the steel market highlight its importance within the global economy, and it continues to be a focal point for businesses and investors. Joshua Stern points out the significant growth in the EU HRC market, with over 180 KT traded in January and February. This heightened level of activity can be credited to market participants' growing interest in the steel industry and in risk management strategies. HRC proves to be a crucial metric for Stern as it allows for several hedging contracts to manage risk and monitor the steel market's liquidity. He emphasizes that the industry's success is, in part, due to these risk management tactics, highlighting their importance in maintaining a thriving steel market.Our special guests this week are Archie Smith, Kerry Deal, Joshua SternLinks:https://uk.linkedin.com/company/freight-investor-serviceshttps://freightinvestorservices.com/fis-live-2/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

From the rise of iron ore shipments from Australia to booming coal exports from Indonesia, the freight industry can sometimes seem too good to be true. But is danger looming on the horizon? With potential production cuts to Chinese steel, will the market be able to sustain itself? Join 'Freight Up Fernanda' to follow the twists and turns the freight market's throwing up for us this week, and listen to learn whether it can continue to defy the odds!In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Discover tactics to hedge against fuel oil exposure and reduce price fluctuation risks. 2. Understand the influence of Asian holidays on fuel oil market liquidity and the overall outlook. 3. Uncover the consequences of OPEC's production cuts on the recent surge in oil prices. 4. Delve into cape-size market trends, focusing on iron ore and thermal coking coal. 5. Grasp the reasons behind rising Panamax market rates and their impact on coal exports in the Atlantic and Pacific basins.Guests this week Archie Smith, Kerry DealHedging in the Fuel MarketArchie Smith, a highly skilled fuel oil broker, joins Fernanda to share his in-depth knowledge of the oil market and the impact of OPEC's surprise production cuts on the recent oil price surge. With years of experience in the industry, Archie has honed his ability to help clients mitigate risk related to fluctuations in oil prices. His expertise in understanding market trends and predicting future movements makes him an invaluable source of information for oil brokers looking to stay ahead of the curve.Also, understanding the concept of hedging in the fuel market can be an essential factor in managing risks associated with fluctuating oil prices. By utilising futures contracts to lock in a price or purchasing options as a cushion against market volatility, businesses can mitigate the financial impact of unpredictable price swings. Taking a strategic approach to hedging and staying informed about the latest market trends can provide significant benefits in terms of cost management and overall financial stability. Archie Smith shares valuable insights on the role of hedging in managing fuel oil exposure, emphasizing the importance of monitoring market movements and staying informed about developments that may affect prices. Archie recommended using email as the primary means of communication with clients to ensure timely and efficient communication of critical updates and changes in market conditions.Cape Size Market Update The cape size market pertains to larger vessels, typically used for the transportation of iron ore and thermal coking coal. This segment of the shipping industry is heavily influenced by factors such as seasonal fluctuations, supply and demand dynamics, and global economic indicators. Keeping a close eye on these factors enables businesses to make informed decisions on shipping strategies and minimize potential losses due to market volatility. Kerry Deal shared valuable updates on the cape size market during the episode, highlighting factors contributing to its recent growth, including increased shipments of iron ore and thermal coking coal from Australia to China. At the same time, Kerry mentioned potential limitations to the market's expansion, such as seasonal congestion at Chinese ports, concerns over potential steel production cuts in China, and the ongoing reduction in new home construction.Do please feel free to reach out and make suggestions for the podcast to us via our show emailThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

The FIS Freight and Commodity podcast this week features our new communications manager, Fernanda. She'll be the new host of this podcast as of the next episode. In this latest episode, the current host, Mo, introduces Fernanda and plays three important clips from past episodes. These include Chris Hudson, the previous host who started the podcast. Mo also talks about his feelings during the transition period and how he felt when Chris left the department. He also shares a clip of the time he chatted with FIS CEO John B. The pair take a look at the future of the industry and markets. And they discuss how we can make this podcast more relevant to you, as a listener. Do please feel free to reach out and make suggestions to us via our social media channels. Here they are.Twitter: https://twitter.com/freightinvestorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freight-investor-services/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

FIS were at the forefront of the Singapore Exchange Container futures launch in February 2023. We discuss the launch of the four contracts and the outlook for the Container market in 2023.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

A discussion on the impact of Silicon Valley Bank turmoil on the commodity complex; includes Crude Oil, freight, metals, and ferrous complex.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy