Why shipping can be a substitute for fixed income

Essential part of the world economy

Now that global politics is 'post-truth', and high volatility surely a likely backdrop to capital markets over the next year or two, is it time for investors to look further afield for sustainable returns?

Global shipping is an essential part of the world economy, with 90% of all traded goods moving by sea. Without ships, the finished and semi-finished goods from around the globe would not be made available (competitively) in our shops.  More importantly, in many countries, including the UK, the lights would literally go out if our constant supply of imported raw materials, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), were cut off. Food supplies similarly arrive by sea - whether grains in bulk, fresh meat, or vegetables and fruit by refrigerated container. Sharing economy and UK's shipping aspi...