Five chart to start today

The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are having a direct impact on the Suez Canal

Let's talk about shipping. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have received a lot of press coverage recently. It's having a direct impact on the Suez Canal, which is what this first chart is all about. I couldn't just include one chart on this topic –I've provided another fresh angle, plus one animated data visualisation.

So what's the story here? Well, it's actually far bigger than both the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has sounded the alarm on mounting disruptions to worldwide trade. These disruptions, could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, climate change and the sustainability of key trade routes.

From conflicts in the Black Sea to attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and climate-related challenges in the Panama Canal, the situation has become increasingly complex. Maritime transport serves as the lifeblood of international trade and is responsible for over 80% of global goods movement

In the develop world, this could lead to renewed bouts of inflation on the supply side, which are difficult to manage with monetary policy. Meanwhile, developing nations are often the most hardest-hit by these events. They usually stand in the front line of most crises. It looks like our global economy will need to circumnavigate some choppy waters in 2024.

Coming up:

• Is the cost of a Super Bowl advert still worth it?

• Trump’s 60% tariff would take China imports close to Zero

• Tech’s weighting in the S&P 500 has returned to dotcom bubble territory

• New York Community Bancorp (NYCB) had a tough 2023

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