Metals & beyond : the relevance of CRB® Spot Indices

In this complex period regarding commodities prices and financial markets, I would want to pinpoint how visionary the U.S. Department of the Treasury, when asking to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in January 1934 to begin the computation of a daily commodity price index, using quotations for sensitive commodities. Not talking about a single sector focused index, but a real composite one taking into account such (apparently) distinct prices as :

• Metals: Copper scrap, lead scrap, steel scrap, tin, and zinc.
• Textiles and Fibers: Burlap, cotton, print cloth, and wool tops.
• Livestock and Products: Hides, hogs, lard, steers, and tallow
• Fats and Oils: Butter, cottonseed oil, lard, and tallow
• Raw Industrials: Hides, tallow, copper scrap, lead scrap, steel scrap, zinc, tin, burlap, cotton, print cloth, wool tops, rosin, and rubber.
• Foodstuffs: Hogs, steers, lard, butter, soybean oil, cocoa, corn, Kansas City wheat, Minneapolis wheat, and sugar.

That's a bit of a picture and globalization is already lying behind. What this Spot indices say, is that metals and mining industry are definitely not an isolated market. They can then not going on acting as such. The financial crisis will not let the mining and metals sector intact.

The smartest actors are already preparing themselves, anticipating in their strategy what the "next World" will be.

Arthur & Matthew new brochure for Mining & Metals Industry

Here it is ! Just issued. Fresh painted.
Your comments are welcome. So are your expression of interest or business opportunities.

Please contact me on p.dozolme@arthur-mathew for .pdf version.

No relation, I am afraid.

To everyone who ask me if the name of my company, Arthur & Matthew, has anything to do with Sir Arthur Matthew, 1st Baron Glenarthur, I have to answer that nor blood relation, neither any kind of link relate me, or my consulting firm, to this great man.

The nice thing is the involvement of Sir Arthur Matthew in the mining industry.
I discovered it afterwards ; the similarity in name being then purelly unintentionnal.

I am nevertheless very honoured by this de facto proximity and will always make my best not do damage or offend in any manner the noble reputation attached to this prestigious family.


Sir Arthur Matthew: The Chairman of Arthur & Company, Ltd., is the eldest son of the founder of that firm, the late James Arthur of Carlung and Barshaw. He was born at Paisley in 1852, and educated at Glasgow University. In addition to his connection with the great Queen Street business he is Chairman of the Lochgelly Iron and Coal Company, Limited, and a Director of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway and of Young's Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Company, Limited. Among charitable enterprises he is Chairman of the Western Infirmary, and, taking a strong interest in politics, is Chairman of the West of Scotland Liberal Unionist Association. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a member of the Royal Company of Archers (the King's Body-guard for Scotland), and Past Provincial Grand Master of the Ayrshire Freemasons.
By his wife, Janet Stevenson Bennett, youngest daughter of the late Alexander Bennett M'Grigor, LL.D., of Cairnoch, he has one son and one daughter. Hunting and shooting are his recreations. He is J P. and D.L. for Ayrshire and for the County of the City of Glasgow.

Read more on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Arthur%2C_1st_Baron_Glenarthur

Arthur & Matthew is born!

I finally set up my own company dedicated to business & marketing strategy. Registration has been completed the 14th of February 2008, which sounds like a great sign. Should customers fall in love with A&M!

You all welcome on www.arthur-matthew.com