asagefield

Stay Long the Commodity Inflation Trade

Maybe things are going back to the norm. U.S. prices have been extremely reasonable vis-a-vis other developed countries for a number of reasons including cheap labor, low energy costs, and highly efficient mass farming techniques coupled with Frankenfood GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

Is the Great Moderation in Danger?

The good thing about high oil prices is that it makes alternatives look attractive (and reasonable). The market adjusts and alternatives start making inroads and taking away oil's marketshare.

Potash CEO: The Best is Yet to Come

There are geopolitical implications for rising fertilizer costs especially in developing countries where a much larger proportion of production costs go into raising crops. Potash is only one of three that include phosphorus and nitrogen...nitrogen being the most energy intensive (consumes 1%-1.5% of energy used worldwide).

As scoots above mentioned, I would not be surprised at all if world governmental bodies got together to cap prices.

Fertilizer is necessary to sustain the world population. I don't think any government will allow prices to get to the point where there will be civil unrest.

Personality Premiums at Public Companies

Two very nice picks. I would add that it is a skill and personality combination premium. They both have charisma and extremely effective architectural leanings for wealth building.

I would add the Google founders to your list. They are structuralists as well. They might not be as charismatic, but their skill premium is great, building a company from an engineering point of view is revolutionary.

Russia: The Only Exception to the Global Slowdown

Though Russia is relatively resource rich outside of the oil, I don't think crude oil will be enough to insulate Russia from a slowdown. China and India are removing their gas subsidies, and their export dependent economies are slowing down, which will do a lot for oil's demand elasticity. Among the BRICs, Russia and Brazil are holding up well because of their natural resources for the time being.