Feature
Trading positions - September 2010
Energy Risk catches up with the latest appointments, promotions and departures in global commodity markets
Bumpy ride for freight market
The inherent volatility of the freight derivatives market is part of what makes it so appealing to hedgers and speculators. Katie Holliday takes a close look at what has driven recent extreme volatility in the Capesize market and speaks to analysts about…
Credit rating agencies: A question of trust
For companies involved in the production and trade of energy, credit ratings agencies have played an important risk function, but confidence plummeted after their perceived failure to signal the financial crisis
Forward planning at M&S
As a high profile global retail chain, Marks & Spencer faces regular public scrutiny over its energy use and is well known for championing its ‘green’ image. Katie Holliday talks to Mervyn Bowden, head of energy management, about how M&S manages its…
Demand response challenges
How will the integration of demand response initiatives affect the US power market? Ron McNamara, principal consultant at energy consultancy Utilicast and former managing director at energy trader Saracen Energy Partners, discusses how to integrate end…
A turning point for crude oil indexes
In the year since major producers in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait adopted the Argus sour crude index (ASCI) as a pricing benchmark for their imports into the US, Alex Davis examines the impact the new benchmark has had on global oil pricing mechanisms
Turkey power market set for expansion
Disputes with Russia have prompted Turkey to strive for energy independence, and its government has fast-tracked the liberalisation of its power markets, but there is still a long way to go before Turkey can step up and compete with other liquid European…
Singapore bids to be Asian derivatives and clearing hub
As trading regulations and central counterparty (CCP) clearing becomes a reality for the global derivatives market, Lianna Brinded investigates whether US and European firms will take their energy and commodities business to Singapore
Q&A: Dr James Markowsky, US Department of Energy
Dr James Markowsky, assistant secretary for fossil energy at the US Department of Energy, speaks to Pauline McCallion about clean coal technology, managing the strategic petroleum reserve and creating a diverse US energy portfolio
Q&A: Shell Gas Direct’s Mike Hogg
With major industrial and commercial end users bearing the brunt of global regulatory changes and more stringent carbon emissions requirements, Shell Gas Direct’s Mike Hogg speaks to Lianna Brinded how he sees the future and what companies can do to…
Q&A: Wayne Mitchell, head of corporate sales, npower
End users have increasingly wised up to the range of financial products and methods available to manage their energy risk. Wayne Mitchell, head of corporate sales at UK energy company npower, tells Lianna Brinded about changing end user risk management…
European power: Iberian market slow to develop
Market analysts have pinpointed the Iberian power market as one to watch due to recent increased participation from banks, hedge funds and utilities. However, some European energy companies are still highly critical of the market’s structure and…
Strategies for a greener US power market
Taking a more uniform approach to certain aspects of power market development in the US could help build a stronger, greener generation portfolio. Pauline McCallion finds out more
Getting more control with bespoke technology
Playing a role in the development of a bespoke technology solution gives energy traders and risk managers more control over how they perform their daily duties, according to experts. Pauline McCallion finds out more
The pressure builds for more market standardisation
With the market standardisation of energy and commodities contracts still falling behind more traditional asset classes, Lianna Brinded asks if this is a crucial step for the energy sector
Time to consider electronic trading for oil markets
The oil markets have stubbornly resisted electronic trading for 10 years. Alex Davis finds out if this is about to change
Interview: CCX’s Richard Sandor on carbon emissions
The Chicago Climate Exchange’s founder, Dr Richard Sandor – who played an instrumental role in the development of spot & futures markets under the US Acid Rain Program – speaks to Pauline McCallion about the similar role environmental markets can now…
Q&A: Blue Star Energy Solutions’ John Wengler on risk
BlueStar Energy Solutions’ chief risk officer, John Wengler, speaks to Pauline McCallion about managing energy risk in the US power markets
Q&A: Endesa’s Jaime Roman on mergers
Jaime Roman, head of risk management at Spanish utility Endesa, talks to Katie Holliday about the attitudes to risk management in Europe from the perspective of a major European utility operating in the growing Iberian markets
Q&A: Mitsubishi UFJ Securities Holdings’s Akihiro Kawabe on transparency
Risk management in Asia is arguably more difficult to estimate as each country has very different regulatory requirements and political risk. Lianna Brinded speaks to Akihiro Kawabe, executive officer and general manager of the corporate risk management…
Mongolia: Investors weigh risk in promising market
Following a $3 billion investment agreement made for a copper-gold mine last year, and the recent tender for $10 billion of infrastructure investment, Mongolia seems to be the new land of opportunity, but there are risks. Alex Davis reports
Technology and regulation change game plan for brokers
Technological developments have transformed the face of European energy broking beyond recognition. Now regulatory changes could potentially alter this landscape even further. Alex Davis and Katie Holliday speak to the major brokers about their vision…
Asian demand spurs commodities boom
Asian demand for commodities continues to be insatiable. Alex Davis looks at how western investment banks are looking to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the growth
European refineries face difficult times
European refining has been in the doldrums for the last few years. Alex Davis looks at the outlook for Europe’s refiners and at how this will affect hedging strategies