The futures market is a fascinating financial instrument that allows traders to lock in prices for commodities on a future date. Today, we’ll dive into the concept of cash settlement and its role in futures trading, using an example involving aluminium. A Quick Recap: Futures Trading Basics Let’s say today is November 28, and you’re […]
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Hedging with Jorge #Episode11: A timeless strategy from ancient markets to modern finance
Hedging has been a cornerstone of economic stability for centuries, offering both producers and consumers a way to mitigate financial uncertainty. Let’s embark on a historical journey, beginning 1,000 years ago in China, to see how this financial tool has evolved. Hedging in Ancient China: Securing the Rice Market In ancient China, rice producers and […]
Continue readingHedging with Jorge #Episode10: How LME helps aluminium producers manage price fluctuations
Aluminium producers face constant price volatility. The London Metal Exchange (LME) plays a crucial role as the global benchmark for aluminium pricing, making it the preferred reference for smelters worldwide. Why the LME matters:For decades, the LME has been recognized as the standard for aluminium prices. Smelters often tie their sales contracts to LME quotations […]
Continue readingHedging with Jorge #Episode9: Protecting against price risks in aluminium
This week, we’re diving into hedging, a strategy used to protect against risks, unlike speculation, which aims to profit from price movements. We will break it down with an example of an aluminium producer. Speculation vs. Hedging Speculation: A trader starts without a position, choosing to go long (buy) expecting prices to rise or short […]
Continue readingWhy is aluminium packaging reshaping consumer preferences
In recent times, the rise of aluminium packaging has changed how consumers approach packaging materials. From beverages to snacks and even cosmetics, aluminium is fast becoming the go-to option. But why? Beyond its sleek, modern look, aluminium brings compelling economic and ecological advantages. Both sides of this debate reveal why consumer preferences are shifting at […]
Continue readingThe future is here: Aluminium and sustainable packaging
Sustainable packaging is no longer a mere trend; it’s an essential cornerstone of modern consumerism. Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly solutions. Aluminium has emerged as a front-runner. It has revolutionised how brands present their products. Its advantages are manifold, from protection to aesthetics. This makes aluminium a vital part of modern branding. Unlike other materials, […]
Continue readingSustainability in motion: Aluminium’s path to the low-carbon world
The aluminium industry—a cornerstone of modern infrastructure and technology—is now at a critical juncture. Global demand for aluminium is set to increase by nearly 40 per cent by 2030 1. Thus, the industry faces the dual challenge of scaling production while cutting carbon emissions. Is it possible for the industry to make profits while helping […]
Continue readingAI chatbots often inaccurate when asked about voting
Anyone Can Turn You Into an AI Chatbot Theres Little You Can Do to Stop Them The rapid proliferation of AI agents in corporate America is reshaping workplace dynamics as tech giants like Microsoft, Cisco, and ServiceNow invest in autonomous systems to streamline operations and cut costs. These AI agents, which can independently handle complex […]
Continue readingRUSAL establishes fleet of rotary furnaces for aluminium scrap recycling
RUSAL, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, is nearing the completion of a significant project to establish a fleet of rotary furnaces designed for recycling aluminium scrap on an industrial scale. This initiative is part of RUSAL’s commitment to producing aluminium with minimal carbon emissions, backed by a $12.5 million investment. RUSAL has already […]
Continue readingImpact of Industry 4.0 on aluminium, best practices and future outlook
Industry 4.0 is currently one of the most talked about topics in the aluminium industry, with elements such as automation, robotics, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial intelligence (AI) leading the way towards the future of aluminium manufacturing. Globally the aluminium industry has now started keeping sustainability at the top of […]
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