On May 18, the NFA held a reception for the House Agricultural Committee and staff at the Longworth Building, Washington, DC. I was asked by the NFA to represent the NIBA. During the event, I met with several members of the committee and their congressional staff. This house committee is responsible for funding the CFTC. The sub-committee oversees our exchanges.…
Opportunities in Copper Futures
Opportunities in Copper Futures Designed to meet the needs of a range of market participants as an important risk management tool and investment vehicle, COMEX Copper futures open interest has reached an all-time high on February 13 at 300,966 contracts and YTD ADV up nearly 22% YoY as of the end of May. We encourage you to learn more about…
When Black Swans Aren’t
When Black Swans Aren’t: Geopolitical Risk Management in the Age of “Extreme” Events Thursday, June 22nd, 2017 (11:30 am to 4:30 pm; boxed lunch and reception included) The past year has seen many seemingly unexpected events come to pass, from Brexit to the United States Presidential Election. The upheaval has continued into 2017: the rise of the National Front and…
Chairman’s Letter – June 2017
In the Good Old Summertime – Published 1902; Music by George Evans/Lyrics by Ren Shields “In the Good Old Summertime” is an American Tin Pan Alley song first published in 1902. It was one of the biggest hits of that era, going on to appear in many films including the 1949 film of the same name starring Judy Garland and…
John Lothian to Keynote Joint NIBA/DePaul University Symposium
NIBA and DePaul University will hold the 4th Annual Joint Symposium on July 20, 2017 at the downtown campus of the university. This afternoon event includes three business sessions and a reception. Attendance is complimentary for registered derivatives professionals — registration is required. NIBA is happy to announce John Lothian of John Lothian News as the Keynote Speaker. John’s session…
CME Group Planned Changes to Live Cattle Futures Contract Specifications
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (“CME or Exchange”), based on discussions with market participants and with the USDA, intends to implement amendments to its Live Cattle futures contract to alleviate delivery capacity constraints impacting the contract after last trade date. The Exchange intends to implement the amendments, summarized below, as quickly as possible, and potentially beginning with the October 2017…
Agricultural Options Update
Get the latest on volatility, volume, spreads and more…… This month’s update includes: Low implied volatility for Grains & Oilseeds Call skew higher for Grains & Oilseeds Hog & Feeder volatility elevated VIEW FULL REPORT
E-mini Russell 2000 Futures and Options Return to CME Group on July 10
The launch of E-mini Russell 2000® Index futures and options will extend an already broad selection of benchmark U.S. index contracts and offer you even more ways to manage risk and tap into liquidity. With more products, more ways to trade, and more capital efficiencies, get ready for a great return. Sign Up to Stay Up to Date
Joint NIBA/DePaul Symposium (July 20th)
Mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual Joint NIBA/DePaul University Symposium at the DePaul downtown campus, Jackson and State Street from 1:30 – 6:30pm. Sessions are currently being confirmed. Tentative: When was the last time you reviewed your marketing approach? Are you getting the results you want? How confident are you, your approach is meeting current compliance standards, including…
Chairman’s Letter – May 2017
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture has general jurisdiction over federal agriculture policy and oversight of the CFTC. Recommendations for funding for the Commission, as well as for its various programs and activities, originate in this committee. The committee was formed in 1820 in order to give ag-issues equal weight with manufacturing and commercial issues in member deliberations. Chairmen have…