The future of coal, the future of the future and British rock
By:James Melton
Coal futures are down about 70% since peaking in September 2022. But much like crude oil, coal prices are extremely sensitive to prevailing conditions in the underlying economy.
The key to an upswing in coal prices could be China and India, two big economies heavily reliant on coal to generate electricity. If those economies—and the overall world economy—grow faster than expected in 2024, coal prices could start to rise significantly as demand for it grows.
Crude oil prices might be an indicator here. After bottoming in mid-December, crude oil prices have rallied by about 15% during the last eight weeks, climbing to a recent high of about $78 per barrel. And that bullishness might indicate increased optimism in the 2024 global economy. More economic activity would mean more demand for electricity, which would increase the demand for coal to run power plants.
In the Winter print edition, Good Judgment Inc. CEO Warren Hatch—who leads a cabal of Superforecasters whose mission is to provide accurate forecasts and forecasting training to business and government—offers a Luckbox readers glimpse of the future.
Hatch also shares tips on making better predictions and explains why artificial intelligence (AI) is already offering early benefits to forecasters. AI, he says, is particularly useful in synthesizing vast amounts of information far more quickly than a human could do it.
"Humans and machines working together has been our model since inception, and we look forward to exciting advances in the year ahead and beyond," Hatch told Luckbox. Read the whole story.
British rock band IDLES returns with its fifth studio album, TANGK, slated for release on Friday.
TANGK is about overcoming grief and holding onto the love that’s in reach—even seeking to bring in more. The album is covered in gratitude, and it’s the perfect culmination of frontman Joe Talbot’s enthusiasm, targeting lyricism and guitarist Mark Bowen's fascination with production.Hands down the best song on the album is Grace. It's weirdly reminiscent of U2’S With or Without You, in the best way possible. Read the whole story and music videos from IDLES.
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James Melton is managing editor of Luckbox magazine. @JDMeltonWriter
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