Shale gas
US shale fluffing its feathers in mating dance with banks
Cash-addicted producers are making greater use of hedging to attract loans
There is plenty of life left in US natural gas
Sluggish prices and low volatility have provided US natural gas traders with few opportunities for trading profits in recent years. But as the past winter shows, it’s too early for them to switch off their computers and retire to the golf course, writes…
Coal derivatives market fosters burning ambition
Increased attention from both traders and hedgers is providing a boost to the coal derivatives market, say participants, fuelling the success of the API 8 index linked to Chinese coal imports and stimulating further product development efforts elsewhere…
Peak oil enthusiasts might be giving up too soon
Proponents of peak oil should not capitulate too soon, as the days of oil – like those of horses – are numbered, writes Vincent Kaminski
Volatility set to return to US natural gas market, warn analysts
Booming shale production has brought US natural gas prices to 10-year lows and dampened market volatility, making life difficult for traders. But with rising demand from industrial users, power generators and exporters of liquefied natural gas,…
NGL hedging takes off amid shale gas boom
US production of natural gas liquids (NGLs) has surged in recent years, causing NGL derivatives trading to expand as market participants hedge more of their output. But the market for NGL risk management products remains a work in progress, finds…
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
Is risk modelling keeping up with the energy market?
Lean times in energy and commodity derivatives trading have caused a cutback in the amount of time and resources spent on energy risk modelling – a worrying trend that could leave firms unprepared for future market challenges, argue some experts. Mark…
Future of European shale gas market on shaky ground?
The withdrawal of oil major ExxonMobil from its Polish shale gas activities in June has sparked debate as to whether European shale has a commercially viable future. Jay Maroo reports
Is European shale a game-changer for the gas markets?
While shale gas has been a game-changer in the US markets, its impact has been more muted in Europe, with environmental concerns preventing fracking in several countries. Jay Maroo looks at the future of shale gas in Europe and asks how big an impact…
The outlook for Argentina's gas supply
Will Argentina follow North America into the ‘shale gale’, or will its natural gas market structure prevent increased domestic production, furthering reliance on LNG imports?
Q&A: Kaha Kiknavelidze, managing partner at hedge fund Rioni Capital
With the oil & gas industry going through major changes from pricing to regulation, Lianna Brinded talks to Kaha Kiknavelidze of Rioni Capital about oil & gas opportunities
US: New shale gas options bring market changes and challenges
The shale production boom has changed the dynamics of the North American natural gas infrastructure grid. Pauline McCallion looks at the potential implications for hedging strategies
Japan crisis forces rethink over energy supplies
Fears over LNG supplies being diverted from Europe to Japan are receding but a rethink on energy strategies remains as energy markets react to Japan’s crisis. Rebecca Hampson reports
Gazprom’s Medvedev compares shale to dotcom bubble
"Massive" shale production unsustainable at current prices; Gazprom has no plans to invest
Reshaping Russia and China’s energy alliance
The growing strategic energy alliance between Russia and China could change global energy market dynamics. Alex Davis examines the possibilities, including an end to oil-indexed gas pricing
Nat gas hedging hit by regulation and fundamentals
Experts link drop in natural gas trading activity and liquidity to fundamentals and regulatory uncertainty
Experts doubt impact from environmental study on gas prices
The US EPA continues hydraulic fracturing investigation but experts predict negligible effect on near-term natural gas prices
Challenges ahead for Russian LNG
Russia looked at tapping into the lucrative LNG markets several years ago but times have changed. Lianna Brinded investigates if the country is still aiming to compete with other LNG players and how it is adapting to the changing gas market landscape