Market risk
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…
Pass the microphone: CFTC’s Scott O’Malia to CME Group’s James Newsome
This month, Scott O’Malia, a commissioner of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, puts his questions to James Newsome, member of the board of directors of the CME Group and a former CFTC chairman
Turning points: Citigroup’s Richard Bowler
Richard Bowler, head of shipping and freight at Citigroup, talks to Katie Holliday about the highs and lows of working with freight derivatives and his recent move into the LNG market
Nigerian official says oil exports not at risk
Nigeria’s oil minister has dismissed market reports that the country’s oil supply will dramatically tighten following insolvency rumours and major plans for offshore drilling
China LNG demand forecast revised up by 48%
China’s seemingly unstoppable appetite for energy has boosted the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand forecasts by 48% from earlier estimates, as unconventional supply looks to plug the supply and demand gap, says a new report
China pilot carbon trading scheme to boost global trade
China’s proposed carbon trading scheme, to be implemented from 2011 to 2015, will be a positive driver for the international carbon markets, say analysts
Mining companies vulnerable on lack of hedging programmes
A substantial number of mining companies refuse to have a hedging programme, leaving them vulnerable to a possible sharp drop in prices
MF Global fuel oil brokers to move to Spectron
Several fuel oil swaps dealers at brokerage MF Global are reported to be moving to rivals Spectron
JP Morgan commodity staff cuts won’t spread, but Europe recruitment slows
The recent commodity desk cull at JP Morgan is unlikely to be the start of an industry-wide trend, but the aggressive commodities build-outs from investment banks have slowed in Europe
Hungarian power exchange launch positive for eastern European markets
The Hungarian power exchange's (HUPX) first day-ahead auction was a positive development for the Hungarian power market, say analysts
HSBC enters energy derivatives market
HSBC and Total Oil Trading expect to offer their first products in a few months' time
CFTC to publish financial large-trader report
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Thursday announced plans to boost transparency in the financial futures markets with the publication of a new report.
France’s power shortfall would threaten UK power supply
A potential power shortfall in France could put pressure on UK energy supplies and prices, says analyst.
Derivatives reform to hit energy giants
Several major energy and commodities companies such as Royal Dutch Shell and BP are to face a substantial rise in derivatives trading costs, following the adoption of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act.
Legal experts identify end-user issues under new US act
As US regulators embark on redefining over-the-counter derivatives trading, energy end-users need to be aware of how they will be categorised and the potential impact on trading costs.
BP’s oil spill to tighten global oil supply - report
BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill will tighten global oil supply as US oil production is set to wane, following expectations the disaster will lead to stricter regulation and closer scrutiny of drilling operations in the US, say Barclays Capital
China disputes IEA energy data
The International Energy Agency’s claim that China has overtaken the US as the largest energy user, has exacerbated concerns that supply and demand data could be out of sync with price forecasts
31% of oil and gas firms lack ETRM solutions
Nearly one third of all oil and gas companies are more susceptible to systemic risk, as a report reveals 31% of these firms lack an energy trading and risk management (ETRM) solution for their operations
Moody’s boosts Petronas rating on Iraq exposure
Rating agency gives a surprise boost to Malaysian oil company Petronas’s credit rating from negative to stable, despite the company’s substantial acquisition of an Iraqi oil field with Royal Dutch Shell
China unveils major oil and gas plan
China’s seemingly insatiable appetite for energy production and consumption reaches new levels as the country unveils plans to increase oil and gas production by a third by 2020
Iraq's oil minister calls for swift action on contracts
Iraq calls on foreign energy companies, such as BP, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to move swiftly to implement their recently awarded contracts
Shell Gas chief: end-users will face credit issues - Exclusive
Shell Gas Direct’s chief tells Energy Risk that major end-users’ credit worthiness will be one of four major challenges for industrial and commercial users in the next few years
CFTC to rework position limits rule
CFTC Chairman confirms regulator will propose new rule on position limits as part of its expanded remit under financial legislation that could be enacted imminently by US President Obama