Infrastructure
ICE proposes $10 billion merger with CBOT
The IntercontinentalExchange (ICE) has made a proposal to the Chicago Board of Trade to combine the two companies in a stock-for-stock transaction that would create the world’s most comprehensive derivatives exchange, ICE announced today.
Under the yoke
The Reserve Bank of India released its long-awaited draft derivatives regulations in early December. But far from opening the market up to a wider universe of products, dealers complain the derivatives market has been reined back in.
Singapore stakes its claim
The lion city is pushing for a slice of the fast growing Islamic finance market - a move that may put it on a collision course with its more established peers, notably Malaysia.
Reuters launches new Mifid package
Reuters has launched a package of measures to help clients to comply with Mifid.
Fed examining subprime ARMs
US banks may have sold subprime mortgages to borrowers unable ever to repay them, according to the US Federal Reserve.
Working group to set up diamond derivatives
After a meeting with the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, UK-based cut diamond market data provider Polished Prices is putting together a working group aimed at creating a market in diamond derivatives.
Does one size really fit all?
academic paper
Defending pensions
Profile
South Africa - Giving clarity
Hedge funds
A liability defined
Pension indexes
South Africa - Looking to new heights
Inflation
A dangerous precedent
European power market participants are up in arms over a draft law in Germany which, if passed, could devastate liquidity both in Germany and beyond by allowing the German Cartel Office to force some suppliers to price their power on a cost basis. Oliver…
Powering debate
Concerns about energy supply security and climate change are causing a nuclear power renaissance in Europe. However, despite changing attitudes, the regulatory, political and financial barriers to nuclear new-build remain significant, finds Roderick Bruce
Can coal deliver?
US coal supply needs to increase by around 8% in the next five years to meet projected demand. For that to happen, huge investment is needed and prices are likely to rise, finds a Global Energy Decisions study
Meeting the pace of change
Energy trading is advancing so quickly it's sometimes difficult for software to keep pace. Energy Risk's software survey reveals almost half of respondents changed systems in 2006. David Watkins reports
The IFRS conundrum
Firms with a public listing in the EU need to adhere to complex accounting standards on financial instruments. Michiel Mannaerts and Pieter Veuger look at the latest implications for energy companies
Spreading opportunities
Volatile European gasoil and US heating oil prices mean traders must follow inventory and temperature forecasts carefully to stay on the right side of moves in outright and spread values, writes Logical Information Machine's energy analyst Daven Voorhies
Gearing up for ever higher leverage
Rising leverage in the global system coupled with fears for the accuracy of credit risk pricing dominated discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. But not everyone is downbeat, as Matthew Attwood finds out
CDS documentation
Market graphic
Q: What do the distressed debt market and the Japanese puffer-fish have in common? A: They're both irresistible - but highly toxic
Distressed debt investors gearing up for a bumper year should take note of the name of Babson's new credit fund, Fugu, after the deadly Japanese puffer-fish - a prized delicacy that can be lethal if not prepared correctly. Philip Moore reports on the new…
Investing Philly-style: Aberdeen AM's US fixed-income team
Cross-asset class teamwork coupled with conservative risk management drives Aberdeen Asset Management's investment strategy, leading to a current concentration on MBS and an underweight allocation to corporate bonds. This year they're on the lookout for…