Javier BlasThe World for Sale: Money, Power and the Traders Who Barter the Earth’s Resources

This is a fascinating book everybody should read! We may not be consciously aware but we are surrounded by and depend on commodities in our everyday lives with the items we consume. However, we do not stop to think about how, where and under what circumstances these commodities were mined and made their way to the end consumer. The people and companies involved in the supply chain are making vast fortunes often under unethical practices impacting the poorest people. Also, their financial power has led to political corruption that undermines democracies and upholds dictatorships in many parts of the world.

This is an excellent window into the swashbuckling world of commodity trading!!! Thoroughly researched and well worth a read and

This book is a gripping exposé that delves deep into the secretive and complex world of commodity trading. This meticulously researched book sheds light on the powerful individuals and institutions that control and manipulate the earth's most precious resources, from oil and metals to food and water.Blas and Farchy, both seasoned financial journalists, have crafted a narrative that reads like a thrilling geopolitical thriller while providing a comprehensive understanding of how resource trading impacts our planet, economies, and societies. Their storytelling prowess keeps you engaged from start to finish, making the dense subject matter accessible and engaging.One of the book's standout features is its ability to humanize the key players in the global commodity trade. Through interviews, anecdotes, and a treasure trove of insider information, the authors paint vivid portraits of the traders and executives who pull the strings behind the scenes. These real-life characters add depth and personality to what might otherwise be a dry topic, making it relatable to readers from all walks of life."The World for Sale" also skillfully explores the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the resource trade. It delves into questions of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and the economic disparities that arise from the exploitation of finite resources. The authors don't shy away from the controversies and scandals that have plagued the industry, offering a balanced perspective that encourages readers to think critically about the consequences of our global resource consumption.Moreover, the book provides valuable insights into the intricate web of politics, finance, and power that influences resource trading. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between governments, corporations, and traders, revealing the extent to which these entities shape the world's economic landscape.While the book offers a comprehensive look at the world of resource trading, some readers may find the sheer volume of information overwhelming at times. Additionally, a more in-depth exploration of potential solutions to the challenges posed by resource trading would have been a welcome addition to the narrative.The World for Sale"is an eye-opening and thought-provoking journey into the heart of global resource trading. Blas and Farchy have done a commendable job of demystifying a complex subject and presenting it in an engaging and accessible manner. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the forces that shape our world and the individuals who profit from its resources. It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies and consequences of the world's resource markets.

I knew of commodity traders before reading this - how prices of metals, grain, coffee, oil etc. are traded. I innocently thought that they just helped buy and sell the goods internationally like a greengrocer or someone at a hardware store.How wrong I was.Countries have been on the verge of bankruptcy, saved by a few people with power to redirect oil tankers and arrange "quite dubious" loans to nations that now would fall fowl of international law. The commodity traders can make millions in profit just by seeing a trend that nobody else has.... they can also make huge losses should they fail.Russia, China, USA, Iran - any country of note (for better or worse) gets a mention.This is an excellent book - well written, no fluff or padding. It almost reads like a thriller at times as international deals are made with hours to spare. I've recommended this to the accountant at work and anyone else with a vague interest in financial matters.You won't look at the changing prices of supermarket staples in the same way ever again.

Amazing insight to how these companies made mega money. Upset world order to line their pockets at the expense of the producer and the consumer

Broad brush strokes on major characters but would have liked more intricate detail on the financial deals done but then the audience for that would be necessarily smaller

Full of surprising info, I loved it

I’ll be honest, it’s taken me a long time to work my way through this book.The book has a lot of stories going on within it - different markets, firms, countries etc, so it’s not the easiest to keep track of.There are certainly some interesting stories in here that I wouldn’t have known otherwise and it’s eye opening to see just how much influence/ power these traders have held. That said, it wasn’t a book ‘I couldn’t put down’ and after a while the stories all sort of had a similar theme to them which is perhaps why it took me a while to work through.I think if you’re really interested in the commodities market, then this book would be for you. While the subject does interest me, it was perhaps a bit too much for me.Didn’t have any issues with the written style or print quality or anything like that.