Futures Magazine July 01, 2010
Cover Story
Bill Isaac: Was TARP necessary?
William (Bill) Isaac is chairman of LECG Global Financial Services and served as chairman of the FDIC during the savings bank and savings & loan crises of the 1980s. Here, we interview him about current and future regulatory issues.
Software Review
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Software review: TradeGuider V4.0
TraderGuider software review
Trading Techniques
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Multi-criteria analysis: A practical approach
Multi-criteria analysis can improve investment results, but to be effective, you need to know the conditions where it thrives. Here is an examination of multi-criteria analysis vs. single-criterion selection.
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Using options on eurodollar futures to predict Fed policy
In an effort to help the ailing U.S. economy, the Fed has short-term rates at historically low levels. Options on eurodollar futures offer insight into where we go from here.
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How ISM PMI can forecast S&P 500
Standardized fundamental indicators can be very useful in trading. An index that tracks manufacturing expectations can reliably forecast the stock market and even some commodities — if you know where to look.
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Technical indicators: A statistical approach
The technical analyst seeks tools that are independent of any particular market or time frame. You don’t need to modify your indicators to work with other markets. You just need to make them robust. Here’s how.
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High frequency trading: FIA market access report
Futures Industry Association published this report on market access risk management recommendations.
Forex Trader
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5 tips for chaotic forex markets
We explore a set of practical tools that can be used when markets turn chaotic.
Futures 101
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Trading software: Finding your perfect fit
When it comes to trading software it is best to determine what you require and select not the fanciest package but the one that meets your needs most efficiently.
Industry Trends
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High frequency trading: The speed-safety balance
The May 6 flash crash has created a firestorm of criticism against so-called high-frequency traders and direct access algorithms, but the real debate for brokers and exchanges is balancing the need for speed and safety.
Markets
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Economic recovery: Are we there yet?
Almost two years after the economic meltdown of 2008, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates near zero and experts expect no change until early 2011. Economic recovery has been slow, but the markets may not wait for the Fed to move rates.
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Tech Talk: Are bonds ready to collapse?
All major cycle trends eventually come to an end. Historians then step in to attempt to determine the cause of the reversal.
Editor's Note
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Financial regulation: What's the right answer?
Experts have varied views on the hurdles the United States faces in regulating financial markets.
Book Reviews
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The ETF Trend Following Playbook
A review of "The ETF Trend Following Playbook: Profiting from Trends in Bull or Bear Markets with Exchange Traded Funds"
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The King of Oil: The Secret Lives of Marc Rich
Review of "The King of Oil: The Secret Lives of Marc Rich"
Market Analysis
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Crude contango widens out
Currently both crude oil and distillate fuels remain in a steep contango providing a positive economic incentive to store both of these energy commodities.
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Interest rates: No Fed tightening in sight
There's still no end in sight for the ultra-easy monetary policy.
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Chartview: Sell in May and....
Sell in May and go away
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Corn takes a tumble
Positive weather conditions have meant lower prices for corn, and most analysts expect that to continue into the summer.
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Pound pounded
The pound took a beating in late April before rising a bit in early June. Any movement in the currency looks to be connected to the current economic downturn in the Eurozone.
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Gold prices skyrocket
Gold hit another record high of $1,254.50 per ounce on June 8, and analysts say that economic conditions mean that it could keep climbing.
Managed Money
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Managed Funds Association talks financial reform
The Managed Funds Association (MFA) held its annual Forum Conference in Chicago this June with Congress still wrangling over reconciliation of financial reform.
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Risk management, position size and your portfolio
Successful risk management involves having the proper position size. Markets, however, are dynamic and what were appropriate risk levels last year, last month or last week are no longer correct today.
Options Strategy
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Options strategy: The 1-3-2 trade
How to use the 1-3-2 trade in options when the broken wing butterfly can no longer be done at a premium.
New For Traders
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New for traders: Commodities
New commodities products
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New for traders: Technology
New technology products
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New for traders: Forex
New forex products
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New for traders: Financial
New financial products
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New for traders: Options
New options products
People
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Mohan to manage co-location at CME Group
Craig J. Mohan was named managing director, co-location and data center services at CME Group.
News
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ISE crashes CBOE party
CBOE Holdings Inc. opened at $32.80 on June 15, a 13% premium to its $29 initial public offering price announced the day before.
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Financial reform passes Senate
The financial reform bill that passed the Senate in late May will open the door to an even longer rule-making process that will impact traders and the futures industry.
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Deconstructing the flash crash
The first regulatory changes following the May 6 “flash crash” were approved on June 10 by the SEC, instituting single stock circuit breakers on a trial basis through Dec. 10, 2010.
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Germany bans naked shorts
The success of an effort by German regulators to help curb volatility of debt securities in the Eurozone could depend on whether other European nations follow suit.
Trader Profiles
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BAM: Ready to take off
When John Becker and RJ Mehnert worked together at Houston-based energy wholesaler Entergy Power Marketing Corporation, they mainly hedged the firm’s cash positions, but both dreamed of running their own trading advisory and planned for it.
CTAs
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Top CTAs April 2010
Top CTAs April 2010
Hedge Funds
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Hedge Funds April 2010
Hedge Funds April 2010
Public Funds
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Public Funds May 2010
Public Funds May 2010
