GLG News by Boat Industry Experts

Richard CurtinResearch Professor & Director Surveys of ConsumersUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN - CC

Will more jobs cure consumer confidence?

September 2, 2011

Today’s employment report was no surprise to consumers. Confidence plunged in July and August precisely because consumers have seen that job gains have vanished. Even if in the months ahead the jobless rate tumbles, consumer confidence won’t soar. When jobs are more plentiful, rather than again becoming the spending engine of the global economy, consumers will spend less, save more and use less debt. For the economy to accommodate this newly thrifty consumer, exports will need to grow to offset weaker consumer spending. Otherwise, restrained consumer spending will limit job growth and act to frustrate consumers’ attempts to get back on their feet and rebalance their finances.

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

Economou Deserving Of Some Criticism

June 16, 2009

Analysis of:CEO pilloried | www.tradewinds.no

While not the epitomy of evil that Jim Kramer describes, George Economou has lost his way somewhat.

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

Jinhui Shipping's Gloomy Outlook

June 4, 2009

Analysis of:Dry reality check | www.tradewinds.no

Jinhui Shipping (Oslo:JIN.OL) reported disappointing numbers coupled with a gloomy outlook on the near-term market, despite the recent recovery in dry bulk rates. I agree with their market forecast, but Jinhui's near-term prospects have more to do with capacity.

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

Demand Improvement Won't Help Dry Bulk

May 26, 2009

Analysis of:Bulker boomerang | www.tradewinds.no

Some iron ore contract renewals in Japan, impressive 1Q Chinese iron ore imports, and expectations of the impacts of stimulus packages have vastly improved market sentiment for a continued improvement in dry bulk shipping rates. This is "irrational exuberance."

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

Drewry's Outlook For Dry Bulk Overly Pessimistic

May 21, 2009

Analysis of:Dry looks dreary | www.tradewinds.no

Tradewinds reports on Drewry's latest forecast for dry bulk to remain depressed through 2014. This is a very unlikely scenario.

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

Difficult Year For Matson

May 7, 2009

Analysis of:Unparalleled drop | www.tradewinds.no

Matson Navigation parent, Alexander & Baldwin (Nasdaq:ALEX), reported that the company posted a $500k operating loss in the first quarter, compared with a $15.9m profit a year ago.

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

2009 A Terrible Year For Container Shipping

May 5, 2009

Analysis of:Barge Rates Float Upward | www.americanshipper.com

AXS-Alphaliner, as reported in American Shipper, forecasts the top 20 container shipping firms will lose $4b in the first quarter alone.

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

47% Decline In Ship Orders Actually Good News

April 29, 2009

Analysis of:Orders Collapse | www.tradewinds.no

The JSEA reported 2008 export orders were down 47% relative to 2007. Given the state of the market, this is actually good news.

Craig MarstonManaging DirectorCEM Marine

Tanker Shipping - The Sky Is Falling