Higher rates and disruptions in shipping routes could have lasting effects

  • Shipping stocks have soared due to attacks in the Red Sea and a drought in the Panama Canal
  • Rates to ship containers between Asia and Europe have more than doubled in the past month
  • Rates to ship goods between Asia and the U.S. East Coast have risen 40% since mid-December
  • Disruptions in shipping routes could last for several more weeks
  • Companies may have to pay a higher risk premium for longer-term shipping

Shipping stocks have experienced a significant surge in value as a result of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi faction on ships in the Red Sea and a drought in the Panama Canal. These events have forced companies to avoid using the Suez Canal, leading to longer trips and increased shipping rates. The average rate to ship containers between Asia and Europe has more than doubled in the past month, while rates to ship goods between Asia and the U.S. East Coast have risen 40% since mid-December. The disruptions in shipping routes are expected to continue for several more weeks, potentially resulting in companies having to pay a higher risk premium for longer-term shipping.

Public Companies: Maersk (AMKBY), Hapag-Lloyd (undefined), ZIM (undefined), Star Bulk Carriers (undefined), Golden Ocean Group (undefined), Genco Shipping & Trading (undefined)
Private Companies:
Key People: Patrick Creuset (Goldman analyst), Omar Nokta (Jefferies analyst)


Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information about the increase in shipping rates due to violence in the Middle East and a drought in the Panama Canal. It mentions specific companies that have been affected and provides data on the rise in rates. The article also discusses the potential duration of the disruptions and the impact on shipping stocks. While the article does not provide extensive background information or analysis, the information presented appears to be factual and supported by sources.

Noise Level: 6
Justification: The article provides information on the impact of violence in the Middle East and a drought in the Panama Canal on shipping rates. It discusses the rise in shipping stocks and the potential for higher rates in the future. However, the article lacks in-depth analysis and does not provide evidence or data to support its claims. It also does not offer actionable insights or solutions for readers.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Shipping stocks, including A.P. Moeller Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, ZIM, Star Bulk Carriers, Golden Ocean Group, and Genco Shipping & Trading

Presence of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature of Extreme Event: Political Upheaval or Revolution (attacks by Yemen’s Houthi faction on ships in the Red Sea)
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: Moderate
Justification: The attacks by Yemen’s Houthi faction on ships in the Red Sea have forced companies to avoid using the Suez Canal, leading to longer trips and higher shipping rates. The disruptions could last for several more weeks and may require companies to pay a higher risk premium for shipping goods on a longer-term basis. However, the disruptions are not expected to have long-term consequences or significant economic impact.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com