Making a killing from hunger

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21st Century Barbarism is driven by men in suits

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21st Century Barbarism is driven by men in suits 

The U.S. drought has destroyed 45% of the corn and 35% of the soya bean crop. Global food prices rose by 6% in July, intensifying the already severe food crisis.

But Chris Mahoney isn’t worried. In fact he’s pleased. He is agricultural products director of Glencore International PLC, the UK-based commodities speculator that recently purchased Canadian grain trader Viterra. Last year, Glencore’s pre-tax profits were $2.2 Billion.

The Guardian reports comments Mahoney made about food prices during a recent conference call:

“In terms of the outlook for the balance of the year, the environment is a good one. High prices, lots of volatility, a lot of dislocation, tightness, a lot of arbitrage opportunities.”

In short, while millions are dying of hunger, he’s going to make a killing by speculating on food.

—-
Ian

More from my notebook… 

1 Comment

  • The rub is that he’s highly respected for doing what he does.  It’s baffling when you think about it.