Nat Rudarakanchana covers commodities and companies for the International Business Times. He is especially interested in precious metals, the food and drink industry, and agricultural commodities. Before joining in May 2013, he worked for Vermont's VTDigger as a state politics and policy reporter. He has written for Bangkok Post Sunday, Hong Kong Tatler, and The New Paper in Singapore. Nat earned an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia Journalism School, where he specialized in investigative reporting. He has a BA(Hons) in Philosophy from Cambridge University.
His LinkedIn bio is here. He's also known as @natrudy. Contact him anytime at 646-867-7172 (office), 802-917-3721 (cell) or n.rudy@ibtimes.com. Visit his website for more info: nrpersonal.com
GE's Overseas Profits May Net A Big Catch
A buy of French industrial firm Alstrom may result in significant cost savings, though the details aren’t yet clear.
Fair Trade Gold Q&A – An Ethical And Political Niche
We spoke to one of the few North American jewellery retailers who carries Fairtrade gold, sourced from poor miners in South America.
Mt Gox May Rise Again
A U.S. investor group supported by burned bitcoin traders seeks a rebirth of the pioneering Mt. Gox exchange.
High-Speed Trader Slows Down IPO
The move comes after Michael Lewis wrote a critical, high-profile book on high-speed trading, which he claims rigs financial markets.
European Companies Strike Out Against Tougher Russian Sanctions
European oil giants led the way against tougher sanctions on Russia, where they operate several projects.
In Japan, A Gold 'Rush' Ahead Of A Tax Increase
On Tuesday, Japan’s sales tax is slated to rise from 5 percent to 8 percent.
Chinese Gold Demand Could Rise Still Further In 2014
Increasing demand for gold in China comes as demand from India, the world’s second-largest consumer, has declined in recent years.
Robot Trading Blamed For 'Flash Crash' In Gold
One prominent analyst cites the effects of high-volume computerized trading.
Vietnamese Farmers Hoard Coffee As Robusta Beans Grow In Popularity
Some farmers in Vietnam may hold their coffee beans as a hedge against inflation in local currency.
China Rare Earth Exports Challenged By WTO
The WTO ruled that Chinese exports of environmentally damaging rare earth elements shouldn’t be artificially manipulated by the government.
Gold’s Safe Haven Allure Returns, For Now
Gold prices have risen over tensions in Ukraine. Are the recent gains sustainable? Or Pyrrhic?
Why A Palladium Fund Has Launched In South Africa
Palladium and platinum are part of South Africa's prominent mining sector for the precious metals.
Why Germany's Central Bank Is Discussing Gold Repatriation Progress
A German central bank official criticized certain speculation about the central bank's motives as “wild and ridiculous conspiracy theories.”
Oil Drill Rig Down? There’s An App For That
General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt has publicized the maintenance app for oil companies in a LinkedIn post.
Here's How The Coffee Market Can Determine What Kind You Drink
Robusta coffee has won over consumers more quickly than its established rival Arabica coffee.
Emerging Market Stocks - Next Asset Class For The Hot Money?
Emerging market stocks represent startling good value for those willing to brave geopolitical risk, according to a New York investment bank.
Coffee Drinking Survey Shows Young People Enjoy Gourmet Coffee
One executive said the coffee industry will have to compete more fiercely against energy drinks to keep young consumers drinking coffee.
Here's A Study That Coffee Addicts Will Love
A 2013 study found that data collected on about 500,000 subjects point toward coffee’s positive impact on at least one vital organ.
Sustainable Coffee – Trendy Catchphrase Only Captures Small Slice
One controversial October 2013 report from KPMG even concluded that sustainable coffee farming can marginalize poorer farmers who can’t afford demanded upgrades.
You'll Never Guess Which Market Starbucks Aims To Take Over Next
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has set his eyes on a good-sized sector, though the company is only just starting to build inroads.