Impact of War on Metal Markets
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy CHRW?
Source: CNBC
- Aluminum Surge: Since the onset of the war, aluminum futures have surged nearly 12%, indicating strong market demand that may reflect supply chain tensions and investor optimism about future needs.
- Precious Metals Decline: In stark contrast to aluminum, gold futures have fallen about 9%, while silver, palladium, and platinum futures have dropped between 17% and 19%, suggesting a waning interest in safe-haven assets and potential for increased market volatility.
- Tariff Impact: One year after Trump's tariff announcement, Walmart's stock has risen nearly 40%, and Tesla's shares have soared about 35%, indicating that some companies have successfully adapted to policy changes, while Best Buy's 15% decline highlights the varied impacts across different firms.
- Jobless Claims Expectations: Initial jobless claims are expected to reach 212,000, with a trade deficit forecast of $62 billion, up from last month's $54.46 billion, reflecting the complexities of economic recovery and market focus on upcoming economic data.
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Analyst Views on CHRW
Wall Street analysts forecast CHRW stock price to fall
20 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
5 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 168.500
Low
85.00
Averages
167.65
High
210.00
Current: 168.500
Low
85.00
Averages
167.65
High
210.00
About CHRW
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. is a global logistics provider. The Company's segments include North American Surface Transportation (NAST), Global Forwarding, and All Other and Corporate. NAST segment provides transportation and logistics services across North America through a network of offices in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAST segment’s services include truckload and less than truckload transportation brokerage services. Global Forwarding segment provides transportation and logistics services through an international network of offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, South America, and the Middle East and also contracts with independent agents worldwide. Global Forwarding segment’s services include ocean freight services, air freight services, and customs brokerage. All Other and Corporate segment includes Robinson Fresh and Managed Solutions. Robinson Fresh provides sourcing services. In its Managed Solutions business, it often acts as the shipper’s agent.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
C.H. Robinson Offers Fuel Assistance Amid Rising Diesel Costs
- Surging Diesel Prices: As of March 30, the national average for ultra-low sulfur diesel reached $5.401 per gallon, marking the highest level since late 2022, indicating significant impacts on the transportation sector due to rising energy prices driven by the Iran conflict.
- Company Response: C.H. Robinson announced the provision of free fuel discount cards and cash advance services to assist its network of contract carriers in coping with soaring fuel costs, particularly affecting nearly 60% of owner-operators facing financial strain.
- Fuel Card Benefits: The company's fuel card offers savings of up to $385 per fill and up to $9,000 annually per truck, with application fees waived for carriers applying in April and May, further alleviating operational burdens.
- Cash Advance Policy: C.H. Robinson will also waive cash advance fees for fuel card requests made during these two months, allowing carriers to receive up to 60% of their pay after picking up a load, aiming to leverage technology platforms to support carriers amid rising fuel prices.
See More
Impact of War on Metal Markets
- Aluminum Surge: Since the onset of the war, aluminum futures have surged nearly 12%, indicating strong market demand that may reflect supply chain tensions and investor optimism about future needs.
- Precious Metals Decline: In stark contrast to aluminum, gold futures have fallen about 9%, while silver, palladium, and platinum futures have dropped between 17% and 19%, suggesting a waning interest in safe-haven assets and potential for increased market volatility.
- Tariff Impact: One year after Trump's tariff announcement, Walmart's stock has risen nearly 40%, and Tesla's shares have soared about 35%, indicating that some companies have successfully adapted to policy changes, while Best Buy's 15% decline highlights the varied impacts across different firms.
- Jobless Claims Expectations: Initial jobless claims are expected to reach 212,000, with a trade deficit forecast of $62 billion, up from last month's $54.46 billion, reflecting the complexities of economic recovery and market focus on upcoming economic data.
See More
C.H. Robinson Offers Free Fuel Cards Amid Rising Diesel Prices
- Fuel Cost Relief: C.H. Robinson is offering free discount fuel cards and cash advances for contract carriers during April and May to alleviate the financial strain caused by sharply rising diesel prices due to new conflicts in the Middle East, where fuel costs typically account for 20% to 28% of a truck's operating expenses.
- Simplified Application Process: Carriers can apply for the fuel card online, with approval typically taking three to five business days, and the application fee waived during April and May, significantly reducing the financial burden on small businesses, particularly for nearly 60% of owner-operators.
- Convenient Cash Advances: C.H. Robinson also provides cash advance services, allowing carriers to receive up to 60% of their pay after picking up a load, with fees waived for advances requested on the fuel card in April and May, helping carriers cover expenses while on the road.
- Market Leadership: As the global leader in Lean AI supply chains, C.H. Robinson manages 37 million shipments annually, serving 75,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers, showcasing its strong influence and commitment to responsibility in the logistics industry.
See More
C.H. Robinson Implements Automation-Driven Layoff Strategy
- Layoff Implementation: C.H. Robinson has offered voluntary buyouts, reducing its workforce to 12,085, a 19% year-over-year decline, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing logistical efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement Strategy: The company stated that the layoffs are tied to productivity improvements rather than freight volume forecasts, indicating a unique approach amidst a four-year freight recession.
- Lean AI Model Deployment: By aggressively implementing its 'Lean AI' operating model, C.H. Robinson has outperformed the industry in recent quarters, showcasing the significant impact of automation on company performance.
- Future Workforce Planning: CFO Damon Lee emphasized that there will be no reliance on market recovery to increase headcount, reflecting the company's long-term commitment to automation and efficiency enhancements.
See More
C.H. Robinson Named Among World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026
- Global Recognition: C.H. Robinson has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2026, highlighting its leadership and innovation in the supply chain sector, which further solidifies its market influence.
- Tech-Driven: The company optimizes supply chain management through its Lean AI strategy, leveraging deep human expertise and handling 37 million shipments annually, showcasing significant ROI and driving technological transformation in the industry.
- Efficiency Gains: The implementation of Lean AI has resulted in a 23% improvement in speed-to-market, a 35% increase in on-time pickups, and a 42% reduction in return trips for missed pickups, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Future Vision: CEO Dave Bozeman stated that C.H. Robinson is transforming from a traditional logistics company into a technology-driven builder of the future supply chain, and this recognition reflects its innovative culture and ongoing progress in the industry.
See More
C.H. Robinson Unveils Scale of AI Data and Impact
- Data Scale Advantage: C.H. Robinson reveals it possesses over 100 trillion proprietary logistics data points, which continuously grow through global operations, providing its Lean AI system with a unique competitive edge that supports precise logistics decision-making for 75,000 customers.
- AI-Driven Efficiency Gains: With Lean AI, C.H. Robinson has achieved a 23% increase in speed to market for customer shipments and a 35% improvement in on-time pickups, optimizing warehouse throughput and reducing fines associated with early or late arrivals.
- Intelligent Workflow Integration: The Lean AI system embeds intelligence directly into critical shipping workflows, including pricing, planning, and tracking, with hundreds of AI agents working in sync throughout the shipment lifecycle, ensuring faster decisions and more predictable outcomes, thereby enhancing global service quality.
- Continuous Innovation and Market Leadership: The Chief Strategy Officer of C.H. Robinson states that with 120 years of logistics experience and training on 100 trillion data points, Lean AI not only enhances execution efficiency but also provides customers with more reliable service and smarter decision-making, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
See More
C.H. Robinson Offers Fuel Assistance Amid Rising Diesel Costs
- Surging Diesel Prices: As of March 30, the national average for ultra-low sulfur diesel reached $5.401 per gallon, marking the highest level since late 2022, indicating significant impacts on the transportation sector due to rising energy prices driven by the Iran conflict.
- Company Response: C.H. Robinson announced the provision of free fuel discount cards and cash advance services to assist its network of contract carriers in coping with soaring fuel costs, particularly affecting nearly 60% of owner-operators facing financial strain.
- Fuel Card Benefits: The company's fuel card offers savings of up to $385 per fill and up to $9,000 annually per truck, with application fees waived for carriers applying in April and May, further alleviating operational burdens.
- Cash Advance Policy: C.H. Robinson will also waive cash advance fees for fuel card requests made during these two months, allowing carriers to receive up to 60% of their pay after picking up a load, aiming to leverage technology platforms to support carriers amid rising fuel prices.
See More
Impact of War on Metal Markets
- Aluminum Surge: Since the onset of the war, aluminum futures have surged nearly 12%, indicating strong market demand that may reflect supply chain tensions and investor optimism about future needs.
- Precious Metals Decline: In stark contrast to aluminum, gold futures have fallen about 9%, while silver, palladium, and platinum futures have dropped between 17% and 19%, suggesting a waning interest in safe-haven assets and potential for increased market volatility.
- Tariff Impact: One year after Trump's tariff announcement, Walmart's stock has risen nearly 40%, and Tesla's shares have soared about 35%, indicating that some companies have successfully adapted to policy changes, while Best Buy's 15% decline highlights the varied impacts across different firms.
- Jobless Claims Expectations: Initial jobless claims are expected to reach 212,000, with a trade deficit forecast of $62 billion, up from last month's $54.46 billion, reflecting the complexities of economic recovery and market focus on upcoming economic data.
See More
C.H. Robinson Offers Free Fuel Cards Amid Rising Diesel Prices
- Fuel Cost Relief: C.H. Robinson is offering free discount fuel cards and cash advances for contract carriers during April and May to alleviate the financial strain caused by sharply rising diesel prices due to new conflicts in the Middle East, where fuel costs typically account for 20% to 28% of a truck's operating expenses.
- Simplified Application Process: Carriers can apply for the fuel card online, with approval typically taking three to five business days, and the application fee waived during April and May, significantly reducing the financial burden on small businesses, particularly for nearly 60% of owner-operators.
- Convenient Cash Advances: C.H. Robinson also provides cash advance services, allowing carriers to receive up to 60% of their pay after picking up a load, with fees waived for advances requested on the fuel card in April and May, helping carriers cover expenses while on the road.
- Market Leadership: As the global leader in Lean AI supply chains, C.H. Robinson manages 37 million shipments annually, serving 75,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers, showcasing its strong influence and commitment to responsibility in the logistics industry.
See More
C.H. Robinson Implements Automation-Driven Layoff Strategy
- Layoff Implementation: C.H. Robinson has offered voluntary buyouts, reducing its workforce to 12,085, a 19% year-over-year decline, demonstrating the company's commitment to enhancing logistical efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement Strategy: The company stated that the layoffs are tied to productivity improvements rather than freight volume forecasts, indicating a unique approach amidst a four-year freight recession.
- Lean AI Model Deployment: By aggressively implementing its 'Lean AI' operating model, C.H. Robinson has outperformed the industry in recent quarters, showcasing the significant impact of automation on company performance.
- Future Workforce Planning: CFO Damon Lee emphasized that there will be no reliance on market recovery to increase headcount, reflecting the company's long-term commitment to automation and efficiency enhancements.
See More
C.H. Robinson Named Among World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026
- Global Recognition: C.H. Robinson has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2026, highlighting its leadership and innovation in the supply chain sector, which further solidifies its market influence.
- Tech-Driven: The company optimizes supply chain management through its Lean AI strategy, leveraging deep human expertise and handling 37 million shipments annually, showcasing significant ROI and driving technological transformation in the industry.
- Efficiency Gains: The implementation of Lean AI has resulted in a 23% improvement in speed-to-market, a 35% increase in on-time pickups, and a 42% reduction in return trips for missed pickups, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Future Vision: CEO Dave Bozeman stated that C.H. Robinson is transforming from a traditional logistics company into a technology-driven builder of the future supply chain, and this recognition reflects its innovative culture and ongoing progress in the industry.
See More
C.H. Robinson Unveils Scale of AI Data and Impact
- Data Scale Advantage: C.H. Robinson reveals it possesses over 100 trillion proprietary logistics data points, which continuously grow through global operations, providing its Lean AI system with a unique competitive edge that supports precise logistics decision-making for 75,000 customers.
- AI-Driven Efficiency Gains: With Lean AI, C.H. Robinson has achieved a 23% increase in speed to market for customer shipments and a 35% improvement in on-time pickups, optimizing warehouse throughput and reducing fines associated with early or late arrivals.
- Intelligent Workflow Integration: The Lean AI system embeds intelligence directly into critical shipping workflows, including pricing, planning, and tracking, with hundreds of AI agents working in sync throughout the shipment lifecycle, ensuring faster decisions and more predictable outcomes, thereby enhancing global service quality.
- Continuous Innovation and Market Leadership: The Chief Strategy Officer of C.H. Robinson states that with 120 years of logistics experience and training on 100 trillion data points, Lean AI not only enhances execution efficiency but also provides customers with more reliable service and smarter decision-making, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
See More
