Market risk
Squeezing more out of P&L explain
Commodity traders are increasingly aware of the need to squeeze greater profits from existing business activities. One oft overlooked tool for doing this is the P&L 'explain', write Akhil Sehgal and Anup Singh
Solar contracts to the rescue?
The Solar Power Purchase Agreement, key to funding the industry in the US, is under threat due to the economic downturn. Elisa Wood investigates
Ex-SemGroup CEO denies trading strategy caused bankruptcy
Former SemGroup chief Tom Kivisto has criticized a court report that stated his speculative oil trading drove the company to bankruptcy.
Safe haven
Gold has been a favourite with investors looking for a safe haven since last year’s turbulence began. But will this persist in 2009, or will the precious metal start to lose its shine as a hedging option? Pauline McCallion finds out
Russia rewires
The break-up of Russia's power monopoly, RAO Unified Energy System, in July 2008 heralded a new dawn for the sector and a key point in the lengthy liberalisation process. But privatisation coincided with the economy's crash. Roderick Bruce examines the…
Profile
To celebrate its 15th anniversary Energy Risk is conducting interviews with veterans who have shaped today's energy markets. This month Katie Holliday talks with energy risk management guru Vincent Kaminski, professor at Houston's Rice University, and…
Playing Russia’s game
Rachel Morison examines the current investor appetite for Russian oil E&P
Morgan Stanley named in FCStone saga
Morgan Stanley has revealed its role in the disposal of a loss-making energy trading account by FCStone in March 2009.
Total bid for UTS fails
French energy company Total has announced the expiry and termination of its offer to acquire UTS Energy for C$1.75 cash per share.
Brokerage launches online catastrophe price index
Willis Re, the reinsurance arm of global broker Willis Group Holdings, and Thomson Reuters have today launched the Willis Re Catastrophe Price Index.
UK commodity fund opens Denver office
UK headquartered Ebullio Capital Management has opened an office in Denver, Colorado, to service demand from US investors for its commodity hedge fund.
ICE launches 20 OTC cleared oil contracts
IntercontinentalExchange (ICE) has introduced 20 new cleared OTC oil contracts, which will be available for clearing from May 18, 2009.
LME steel trading hits 1.5 million tonnes
The London Metal Exchange (LME) has traded more than 1.5 million tonnes of steel in its first year, outperforming the first year of aluminium trade in 1978 by 49%, according to figures from the exchange.
Thomson Reuters upgrades multi-asset class transaction service
Global information company Thomson Reuters has upgraded its multi-asset class transaction service Reuters Trading for Exchanges (RTEx).
Economic slowdown is top risk facing global businesses
The economic slowdown, regulatory/legislative changes and business interruption have been identified as the top three risks facing companies in the 2009 Global Risk Management survey conducted by risk management consultancy Aon.
First cleared iron ore swap on Singapore Exchange
Singapore Exchange (SGX) will launch the world's first cleared iron ore OTC swap contract on April 27 th .
OTCGH launches NGL and product options brokerage
OTC Global Holdings (OTCGH), an independent over-the-counter (OTC) interdealer broker, has announced the formation of Ion Energy Group, a natural gas liquids and product options brokerage.
CFTC launches risk management committee
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has established a Risk Management Advisory Committee to make reports and recommendations on risk management issues in markets under the regulator's jurisdiction.
The Last Contango
Oil prices have remained in the doldrums so far this year, but the market took a surprising turn as it slipped into a contango at the end of 2008 that has so far remained in place. Pauline McCallion examines its causes and speaks to analysts about their…
Sovereign hedging lessons
Oil-hedging losses at Sri Lankan state-owned refinery Ceylon Petroleum Corporation are a lesson in the proper use of derivatives. By Joe Marsh
Aluminium canned
Aluminium prices hit a seven-year low in March. Is there any bullish news for the market? Roderick Bruce finds out
Hard times for VaR
The Basel Committee's ambitious plan to overhaul VaR models is coming in for fierce criticism. By John Ferry
An overarching framework
Details of the EU’s third energy package have finally been agreed and creation of umbrella agency ACER looks to be on track. Rachel Morison investigates