Feature
Futurisation worries end-users of OTC energy derivatives
Regulation has caused much of the over-the-counter energy derivatives market to move to exchange-traded futures. While many market participants welcome the shift, derivatives end-users worry that it could harm their ability to hedge. Alexander Osipovich…
Energy firms increasingly using stress tests to cope with regulatory change
Utilities and other energy firms are working hard to refine and enhance the scenarios they use for stress testing. Given recent market events, the impact of regulatory change and large-scale liquidity crises are taking on an increasingly important role…
Applied risk management series: OTC commodity swaps valuation, hedging and trading
In this article, Carlos Blanco and Michael Pierce provide an overview of swap instruments and discuss the pricing, valuation, hedging and risk management of over-the-counter commodity swaps. They also comment on the expected ramifications of new…
TTF benefits from growing liquidity among European gas hubs
Growing liquidity in the European gas market and a gradual edging away from oil and gas indexation are giving a boost to continental gas hubs – with the Dutch Title Transfer Facility emerging as the biggest beneficiary. Gillian Carr reports
Post-MF Global segregation reforms spark fierce debate
The failures of brokers MF Global and PFGBest have shaken the faith of commodity hedgers in their futures commission merchants (FCMs). But are regulators doing enough to protect customers from another FCM implosion? Alexander Osipovich reports
Deutsche Bank to lose commodities head
Silbert expected to depart Deutsche Bank; Constellation loses power trading head; Goldman appoints Asia-Pacific trading head; ex-Duet duo launch commodities fund; FSA regulator joins FOA
Brent challenges WTI despite questions about oil benchmark
Brent is challenging West Texas Intermediate for the title of the world’s preferred oil benchmark. But as market participants flock to the North Sea crude contract, some critics question whether it is truly a reliable gauge of global prices. Alexander…
Coal derivatives activity rises in Europe and US despite differences
The market for coal is being drastically reshaped by changes in the pattern of global supply and demand. In both Europe and the US, this is causing an increase in coal derivatives trading, albeit for different reasons. Gillian Carr investigates
The art of creating a corporate energy hedging programme
Risk managers and consultants say hedging corporate exposures to energy prices is more art than science. As a result, the development of a truly successful hedging programme requires several important questions to be carefully considered. Jay Maroo…
Academic battle rages over oil speculation, high prices and volatility
In spite of attempts to impose commodity position limits in Europe and the US, a fierce battle continues to rage over whether speculation in oil is responsible for high prices and volatility. David Wigan reviews some of the arguments
Japan faces soaring cost of ditching nuclear power
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan announced ambitions to phase out the use of nuclear generation. But faced with bulging energy imports and high prices, official enthusiasm for the plan has waned. By David Hayes
LNG derivatives suffer from lack of liquidity
The growth of LNG fuelled high hopes for the LNG derivatives market, causing exchanges to launch a variety of contracts during 2012. But firms say there’s a long way to go before a liquid market emerges. Jay Maroo investigates
European energy firms struggle with unclear Remit rules
Remit is ushering in an array of new reporting requirements designed to curb abuse in European energy markets. But firms are struggling to make sense of the requirements. Gillian Carr reports
Ferc cracks down on power market manipulation
The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has declared war on power market abuse, targeting allegations of manipulation by firms including Barclays, Constellation Energy and Deutsche Bank. Further investigations are expected to follow as the agency…
California carbon market faces challenges
California’s first auction for carbon allowances on November 14 was hailed as a success by state officials. But the fledgling market must survive a barrage of legal challenges before it can truly take off. Alexander Osipovich reports
Energy Risk Europe: The challenge ahead
A tough economic environment, sluggish trading activity and regulatory reform all left their mark on Energy Risk Europe this year, where market participants discussed the many threats looming over the industry and how to overcome these challenges…
Energy market focuses on counterparty risk
The critical importance of counterparty risk management was demonstrated by the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. In response, banks and other energy market participants have been trying hard to improve their game. Gillian Carr reports
Uncleared margin rules threaten E&P hedging
Exploration and production companies can find it difficult to satisfy collateral demands when looking to hedge their output using derivatives. Now, Dodd-Frank threatens to make this even harder with margin requirements for uncleared trades. Alexander…
The uncertain impact of an SPR release
During September, speculation about a possible withdrawal from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve hit boiling point. Although such a release now appears to be unlikely, Jay Maroo investigates the impact any future withdrawal might have on oil traders and…
Banks retreat from commodity derivatives
Increasing capital requirements and other regulatory constraints are cutting the headcount and risk-taking ability of banks in commodity and energy derivatives. Might this diminished role pave the way for less regulated participants to take their place?…
The unreliability of oil price forecasting
Oil price forecasts are notoriously unreliable, making life difficult for energy market participants attempting to manage their risks. Alexander Osipovich explores the reasons why analysts struggle to predict future prices
Using credit valuation adjustment to set limits
In their previous article, Carlos Blanco and Michael Pierce introduced the concept of credit valuation adjustment (CVA). In this next instalment, they explore CVA allocation methods and discuss alternative structures using CVA to set limits, credit…
Influx into Italian electricity
Interest in Italian power trading has picked up lately, according to market participants. Nonetheless, the market remains dogged by challenges, including a lack of exchange liquidity and excess supply in the midst of an economic slump. Gillian Carr…
As banks retreat who will dominate US power trading?
Squeezed by the Volcker rule and Basel III, banks have been pulling back from US electricity markets. Who will become the new power-trading champions, and should hedgers be worried about liquidity? Alexander Osipovich reports