Did you know that market risks refer to possible situations that could result in a lower financial return than expected? This is the reality of transactions involving almost all types of assets, including commodities.

In other words, these risks present the potential for negative results due to changes in the prices and parameters of a given market. In other words, the more volatile an asset is, the more risk-prone it is.

In this sense, the Global Risks Report 2024 provides crucial information. The report covers the most significant risks the world will face in the coming years.

With this in mind, we have created this content for participants in volatile markets, such as agricultural and energy commodities, to reflect on:

• How the risks identified by the Global Risks Report can impact your markets.
• The importance of adopting mechanisms to manage imminent

Enjoy the reading!

Find out what the Global Risks Report is

In January, the World Economic Forum released its 19th Global Risks Report 2024. The report exists to raise awareness of the risks facing the planet over a period of 2 to 10 years.

In this edition, the Global Risks Report focuses on discussing technological acceleration, accompanied by uncertainties in the economy. At the same time, it highlights the role of climate and geopolitics. Its aim is to warn of the need to prepare for these risks in order to foster a proactive approach and shape a more stable world.

As such, it is a document that brings together fundamental knowledge to train leaders and market participants about emerging crises. Its importance lies precisely in its ability to provide various insights, as well as reinforcing the need to integrate innovation, collaboration and strategy.

Global risk scenario: an interconnected map

Source: Global Risks Report

Read also:

• Volatility in the commodities market: outlook for 2024

What are the main risks that could affect the commodities market?

All aspects that influence the supply and demand of commodities carry the risk of affecting this market and causing changes in prices. We therefore need to pay attention to all the factors that can change this dynamic and have consequences for both producers and consumers.

Below, we have selected 5 main points to keep a close eye on in this sector, based on the Global Risks Report.

1.    Extreme weather events

Two-thirds of those interviewed by the study pointed to extreme weather conditions as the main risk most likely to trigger a material crisis. The impacts would reach a global scale by 2024.

The warming phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle is projected to intensify and persist until May this year. With this, there is the formation of La Niña for the second half of the year. The phenomena could continue to establish new extremes, with heat waves, droughts, forest fires, and floods predicted.

Climate was therefore one of the most critical topics in the report. With varied socio-economic risks, climate challenges can directly impact the planet’s economy and considerably affect agriculture and livestock, for example.

Addressing this issue is fundamental so that actions can be implemented in the markets to avoid more serious consequences even for the planet’s food security.

Read also:

• The influence of climatic phenomena on the commodities market

 2.    Geopolitical conflicts

Power struggles in geopolitics also pose considerable risks, especially due to the escalation of armed conflicts. There is no single cause for this risk, but the report points to three fronts:

• Long-term changes in geopolitics.
• Economic fragility.
• Limits to the effectiveness and capacity of international security mechanisms.

Over the next two years, the attention and resources of the global powers will probably be focused on three points. These are: the conflict in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and tensions over Taiwan.

Escalation at any of these critical points will radically disrupt global supply chains, financial markets, security dynamics and political stability. These three areas of tension are relevant in the commodities market and involve powers whose interests are concentrated:

• In oil and the trade routes of the Middle East.
• In the advanced technologies of East Asia.

Changes in each of these regions could lead to wider regional destabilization, directly attracting the main powers and increasing the scale of the conflict. Therefore, the underlying geopolitical tensions contribute to an unstable global order, characterized by polarized narratives that generate mistrust, insecurity, and volatility.

3.    Economic slowdown

The short-term outlook is marked by persistent but falling inflation and restrictive interest rates. In addition, there is the scenario of continued supply-side pressures and demand uncertainty.

Small and medium-sized enterprises, along with highly indebted countries, face a greater risk of slowing growth in the context of high-interest rates. Contrary to predictions of a recession in 2023, the global economy has shown unexpected resilience.

Overview – Inflation

However, fears of an economic recession are widespread and persist. In a scenario of slowing world growth, Global Risks indicates that there may be a lack of coherence in future economic projections. This is a short-term outlook for the next two years, given the risks of slower economic expansion in important regions such as the US, Europe, and China.

If price pressures continue, central banks may hesitate to cut rates in response to signs of weaker growth. The result? Possible inflation, with high-interest rates for longer.

Discover the relationship between commodities and inflation

4.    Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Cyber insecurity ranks 4th in the Global Risks ranking of short-term risks. But in the long term, it is also a concern. After all, cyberattacks have become a reality that affects companies and governments, including in the commodities sector.

As such, they represent a growing risk in today’s digital economy. It is estimated that the costs of cybercrime will reach US$10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This reinforces the need to increase cybersecurity measures in companies.

Allied to this is the proliferation of AI technologies that will reshape society over the next decade. Along with the productivity benefits, advanced AI also brings risks such as disinformation. This is the most serious global risk predicted for the next two years, according to the report.

The spread of false information is likely to widen social and political divisions. According to a study by Oxford University, disinformation campaigns operated by AI can significantly impact public opinion.

• Technology in the commodities market: trends and relevance

5.    Political and economic polarization

It is among the top three short- and medium-term risks. Global Risks ranks political and economic polarization as the 9th greatest long-term risk.

As polarization grows and technological risks remain uncontrolled, social and political polarization will intensify. The effects of this situation could have repercussions on public discourse and governance, with decisions capable of causing volatility and affecting the commodities market.

Understand hEDGEpoint’s role in commodity market risk management

The world will undergo multiple short- and long-term structural transformations. These include the rise of AI, climate change, a shift in the geopolitical distribution of power and economic uncertainties.

All these structural forces are global, and widespread and have significant impacts. In this context, known and emerging risks require preparation. hEDGEpoint exists to fulfill this role in the agricultural and energy commodities market.

How? We combine market intelligence and sophisticated hedging products. We also have the hEDGEpoint HUB platform to empower the commodities chain, offering reports and updates with analysis of all relevant events.

We thus help protect businesses from volatility and assist in decision-making.

Talk to a hEDGEpoint professional and find out how to turn risks into opportunities.