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Nestle (NSRGY, quote) cut the ribbon on a new coffee creamer factory in South Africa this month, and it’s not the only company increasing its investment in Africa. Kraft Foods (KFT, quote), Samsung Electronics and other consumer giants are expanding to meet the growing consumption of the African middle class.
As the markets breathe a collective sigh of relief over the deal to avoid a Greek default in March, a new threat is looming to take its place. The price of oil rose to a nine-month high on Monday as Iran halted some exports to European nations. Prices have jumped 6.2 percent so far this year, up 4.6 percent in the last week alone.
After a harrowing two-month plunge, the Baltic Dry index of shipping costs has finally rounded a bottom. The question is whether this is more than a brief respite for this key indicator of the health of global commodity markets — everything from grain to iron ore.
With China cutting its bank reserve requirements and lenders ready to rush into the markets with new money, we’re due for a sector rotation. Get ready to buy commodities, and keep a lookout for the ripple effects that come with demand for agriculture and metals.
South Korean retailers are reporting huge jumps in imported beer sales thanks to last year’s free trade agreement between Korea and Europe. That’s great for Korean beer lovers, but what will U.S. agriculture companies bring to the party?
Crude oil prices briefly hit over $121 a barrel in trading today as Iran halted exports to Britain and France ahead of an EU embargo, alongside optimism over the outcome of today’s euro zone meeting of finance ministers that many now expect will grant Greece its vital second bailout package.
