In today's changing political and economic environment, it is increasingly important that companies learn to properly use the various trading instruments to protect themselves against price volatility. Since the first successful energy futures contract was introduced almost a quarter century ago, trading in energy futures and options has played an important role in hedging against fluctuations in the price of petroleum products, crude oil, natural gas, propane, electricity, and most recently, coal. In this 2nd edition of their best-selling primer, authors Errera and Brown explain how exchange traded futures and options markets work, and how companies can successfully use the markets in their overall strategy to increase profitability. They cover everything from market mechanics, hedging, spread trading, and technical trading to history and growth of the markets. Also included is an extensive appendix detailing contract specifications for 13 energy futures/options contracts. BONUS: A summary of the rules of the most active energy futures and options contracts is included!

Trading in energy futures and options plays a key role in hedging against fluctuations in the price of energy commodities, especially crude oil and natural gas. This long-awaited new edition highlights how exchange-traded futures and options markets work and how companies can successfully use the markets in their overall strategy to increase profitability. This wide-ranging new edition offers valuable insight for young professionals and students. Discussions on market efficiency, the role of commodities in Modern Portfolio Theory, and the NYMEX introduction of Clearport are all covered in this introduction to futures markets.

From the basics of open outcry trading to advanced technical indicators, Fundamentals of the Futures Market gives beginning futures traders everything they need to get started. This hands-on workbook walks readers through the entire process to read and understand major reports, track prices, follow the major indicators, and more. In today’s fast-paced futures trading arena, it provides the tools readers need to trade in any commodity market—grains, metals, or financials—and minimize risk as they sharpen their trading skills.

A new edition will be available in January 2017 Focusing on price-forecasting in the commodity futures market, this is the most comprehensive examination of fundamental and technical analysis available. Treats both approaches in depth, with forecasting examined in conjunction with practical trading considerations.

Completely updated, this practical guide has the information investors need to keep up in the complex, fast-paced, and highly profitable world of options and futures, where everything is in play-from oil to diamonds, poultry to vaccines, franchises to coffee. Provides cutting edge information on energy futures and options Tools for creating flexible strategies that can move with the times New information on the solid standbys like livestock, precious metals, and equities Keyed to the new realities of the global economy, making this book vital for investors at all levels Highly respected expert author

A comprehensive overview of trading and risk management in the energy markets Energy Trading and Risk Management provides a comprehensive overview of global energy markets from one of the foremost authorities on energy derivatives and quantitative finance. With an approachable writing style, Iris Mack breaks down the three primary applications for energy derivatives markets – Risk Management, Speculation, and Investment Portfolio Diversification – in a way that hedge fund traders, consultants, and energy market participants can apply in their day to day trading activities. Moving from the fundamentals of energy markets through simple and complex derivatives trading, hedging strategies, and industry-specific case studies, Dr. Mack walks readers through energy trading and risk management concepts at an instructive pace, supporting her explanations with real-world examples, illustrations, charts, and precise definitions of important and often-misunderstood terms. From stochastic pricing models for exotic derivatives, to modern portfolio theory (MPT), energy portfolio management (EPM), to case studies dealing specifically with risk management challenges unique to wind and hydro-electric power, the bookguides readers through the complex world of energy trading and risk management to help investors, executives, and energy professionals ensure profitability and optimal risk mitigation in every market climate. Energy Trading and Risk Management is a great resource to help grapple with the very interesting but oftentimes complex issues that arise in energy trading and risk management.

This book focuses primarily on the energy products that are financially traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange: crude oil, natural gas, unleaded gasoline, and heating oil. These commodities are the most common ones used for hedging energy commodity risk. Each of these products has a profound effect on the United States and international economies. It discusses several of the factors that influence energy price direction, the financial instruments used in the market, and how commercial entities utilize these instruments to hedge the risks inherent in energy production and consumption, such as price and physical risk. It also addresses the use of energy financial derivatives strictly for profit (speculative trading) and the exchanges that make efficient and competitive trading possible. The physical cash market is addressed along with the major industry publications that produce market prices, known as postings or indexes. Additionally, the book briefly discusses technical analysis, using charts to identify price trends and predict directional changes. Finally, the book discusses the need for stringent controls on the trading of financial energy derivatives to avoid some of the more notorious pitfalls that have led to the collapse of major global companies and institutions. Features and Benefits Supply / Demand Fundamentals Market overviews (financial and physical) Contracts Derivatives Technical Analysis Risk Controls Audience Field level personnel Management Energy lending and finance professionals Anyone who seeks to understand how, or relies upon, energy markets Students

Addressing the important issues of worldwide energy price risk management, this work assembles the leading industry figures to explain general theories and practices for hedging risk, and specific methods to effectively manage risk in markets such as coal, natural gas, electricity, and hydropower.

Praise for Commodity Fundamentals "Commodity Fundamentals is THE book for investors looking to enter the commodity markets. This informative guide is a welcome addition on the subject and is a must-read for commodity investors." -Jim Atkinson, President, Guinness Atkinson Funds "Ronald Spurga's Commodity Fundamentals is an illuminating and very useful guide for the subject. A welcome addition to any business library." -Robert F. Himmelberg, PhD, Dean, Fordham's Graduate School of Business Administration "A straightforward introduction crafted for the individual on the mechanics of commodity trading. The author efficiently negotiates the often confusing yet very topical commodity trading world for the individual." -Terence A. Mullervy, Finance Director, Glencore UK Ltd. Commodity Fundamentals provides you with the in-depth insights needed to make commodities trading a profitable, integral component of your overall trading activities. Written by Ronald Spurga, a Vice President of ABN AMRO Bank and longtime veteran of the investment banking wars, this straightforward guide arms you with the information you need to succeed in the highly profitable commodity marketplace-whether you are a trading veteran, a relative newcomer, or anywhere in between.