Monday, January 28, 2013

The power of the Mississippi River

 



The Mississippi River has been at extremely low levels which has been affecting the logistics of grain markets. Barge traffic has slowed and getting corn, wheat or soybeans down river for exports has slowed and become more expensive. Logistics and transportation is  a key part of the commodity story. The chart shows the fluctuations of the river level over time. We are at lows but this is a normal part of the dynamics of a river. 

I have also enclosed a map from the geological survey done by Harold Fisk and his team decades ago. It shows how the Mississippi has changed directions and course over time. It is truly a beautiful map with an amazing amount of information. Nature has a way of determining its own course. Commodity trading is always about learning that lesson.

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