Comment / Analysis: Maersk vs Hapag-Lloyd with D-Day just round the corner

Reaction in the financial markets said it all when AP Møller-Maersk Group (APMM) and Hapag-Lloyd reported their quarterly figures on 7 and 14 November respectively.

APMM stock fell 7% in just one trading session, while Hapag shares soared over 10% at one point soon after its trading update was published. But that rally was short-lived and the hefty paper gains were swiftly pared in less than 24 hours.

Volatility in their share prices is not just a nuisance for the trade. It ...