Fastmarkets is a leading price reporting agency (PRA) specializing in the agriculture, forest products, metals and mining, and new generation energy markets. With a history spanning over 150 years, Fastmarkets provides market-reflective prices, forecasts, and analyses, offering clients a strategic advantage in complex and volatile markets. The company's mission is to create transparent commodity markets to help customers build a more sustainable world.
Fastmarkets focuses on delivering accurate and timely price data, market news, and analysis across various commodity sectors. The company leverages proprietary technologies and methodologies to ensure the integrity and reliability of its data. Its primary markets include metals and mining, agriculture, forest products, and new generation energy, catering to a diverse clientele involved in buying, selling, and trading commodities.
In June 2023, Fastmarkets was acquired by Astorg Partners, a European private equity firm with over €20 billion of assets under management. This acquisition is part of Astorg's strategy to invest in leading information services companies. The financial details of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.
Fastmarkets has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including:
- Hardwood Market Report: Acquired in July 2023, enhancing coverage in the forest products sector.
- Palm Oil Analytics: Acquired in February 2023, strengthening presence in the agriculture market.
- The Jacobsen Publishing: Acquired in February 2021, broadening agricultural commodity coverage.
These acquisitions have bolstered Fastmarkets' capabilities and market reach.
Fastmarkets offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- Price Data: Over 900 global metal and mining prices, providing invaluable insights into market trends.
- Market News: Real-time reporting from a global team of over 160 reporters and analysts.
- Forecasts and Analysis: Projections with over 90% accuracy, aiding clients in strategic planning.
- Risk Management: Services designed to help clients grow and protect profits amid market volatility.
The company's proprietary platform offers customizable tools for accessing and utilizing price data and news across various devices, enhancing user experience and decision-making capabilities.
Fastmarkets is led by CEO Raju Daswani, who has been instrumental in steering the company's strategic direction and growth initiatives. Under his leadership, Fastmarkets has undergone significant transformations, including rebranding efforts and technological advancements to better serve its clients.
In October 2018, Fastmarkets rebranded from Metal Bulletin Group to unify its various brands under a single identity, reflecting its commitment to providing a definitive source for trusted commodities data. This rebranding included the transition of Metal Bulletin to Fastmarkets MB, American Metal Market to Fastmarkets AMM, and Industrial Minerals to Fastmarkets IM.
The commodities information services industry is competitive, with several key players:
- CRU: Provides analysis and consulting services in the metals, mining, and fertilizer markets.
- Argus Media: Specializes in energy and commodity price reporting and analysis.
- ICIS: Focuses on petrochemical, energy, and fertilizer markets, offering pricing and market intelligence.
These competitors offer similar services, each with unique strengths and market focuses.
Fastmarkets has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position:
- CME Group: Launched a new Southern Yellow Pine contract settled against Fastmarkets' pricing, providing market participants with a new risk management tool.
- Intercontinental Exchange (ICE): Collaborated to launch a used cooking oil futures contract, addressing the rising demand in the renewable energy sector.
These collaborations underscore Fastmarkets' commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the commodities markets.
Fastmarkets continues to focus on expanding its technological capabilities and market coverage. The company is investing in advanced data analytics and digital platforms to provide clients with deeper insights and more efficient tools for navigating commodity markets. Future directions include enhancing coverage in emerging markets and commodities, as well as developing new products and services to meet the evolving needs of clients.
Fastmarkets maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, including LinkedIn and Twitter, providing regular updates and insights into commodity markets.
