Explains a lot!

Interesting look at the history of the commodity traders, including their nefarious dealings with rogue states and other brushes with the law. Explains a lot about the global economy and how the business has evolved from small-ish independent companies to global behemoths, some of which are publicly traded companies or operations within broader financial institutions. Ties in nicely with many of the geopolitical crises over the years, such as the 1970’s oil embargo, the gulf wars, Russian oligarchs, etc.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

outstanding

Very good overview. There are other books that cover similar topics but this one provides more detail in certain subjects. a great read.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Excellent!

A really insightful perspective on the individuals/firms who shaped the industry—from the early beginnings of rogue traders traveling the globe to secure deals, to the the emergence of industry giants like Glencore and Vitol, It highlights the immense influence these companies wield—and the often unscrupulous ways in which they receive contracts, ensure profit, and navigate through politically sensitive matters, all the while claiming to be apolitical and law-abiding

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Fantastic insight into a huge industry

Could not stop listening! Fantastic book with great facts and holistic view on trading industry.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

A swashbuckling tale of hidden global power brokers

Remarkably well told and incredibly deep insight into the global underpinnings of commodities. A Riveting history and account of the commodity traders influence and power through the decades. Masterfully crafted and brilliant storytelling reveals the true macroeconomic power in global trading - it was impossible to “put down”.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Well written with historical event

Great book. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Could not put it down. Very detailed and gives a lot of information about the inner works of the commodity traders. I would recommend it to anyone. Hopefully I can find something similar to listen to.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Money and power and shadows

The book was illuminating through the communication of the personal relationships, the methods employed, and the goals: money, power, control, screwing others while maintaining anonymity where possible.

The clean writing was appreciated. The conclusion by some that new traders will be more honorable is pure rubbish as money and power drives many to sidestep kindness, fairness, economic and ecological responsibility, and just follow the desire of their bosses to make money. This operating method is shared by politicians and businessmen so only tighter guidelines and regulatory data and enforcement can curb the dousing of countries people by the monetary flames launched by their governments and the money-first traders described.

The logic that "someone will make the money so why not me" as shown in many episodes (especially Trafigura's dumping of sulfur-laden sludge from mexican in oil west Africa into a trash dump using a shell company) shows the problems of supply chains and regulatory methods.

A book worth reading!

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Very insightful read!

The explanation of the economic power that commodity traders have and how it has been used was insightful.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Essential reading to understand what makes the world go round

Excellent overview of the world of commodity trading. Great anecdotal stories underpinned by interviews with the key players. It reads like a thriller in places

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

poor listen on fast speed

I listen to my books at least 15% faster and this performance is terrible at speed.

content itself - hard to gauge. much of the content is secondhand and non-statistical.