“Taking it to a Whole ‘Nother Level” –  Eugene Struthers (2004-2009) Keegan-Michael Key, American writer and actor uttered this famous phrase in character as “Eugene Struthers” on the late night comedy show MadTV each time he expressed his very passionate desire to know more about a person or subject. At the 4th Annual NIBA/DePaul University Joint Symposium, we’ll be taking it to a whole ‘nother level with three business sessions presented by nine industry experts. The Symposium, July 20 from 1:30-6:30pm at the Chicago downtown campus of DePaul University is free for all registered derivatives professionals. Space is limited; advance…...

This year’s NIBA/DePaul University Symposium is rapidly approaching and is shaping up to be another excellent event.  Last year DePaul’s rooftop deck was under construction and this year we have the opportunity to enjoy the new and improved facilities for our cocktail reception immediately following the event.  In our last newsletter we proudly announced Mr. John Lothian will be the keynote speaker at DePaul this year.  The full agenda has been set and is available at the below link along with the event registration information.  Capacity is limited so be sure to reserve your spot in advance Annual Joint NIBA…...

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. My goal was to ensure these very important players in the regulation of our industry understood what the NIBA does, who our members are and what we stand for. I want them to know they can, and often, should reach…...

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 Copper Futures opportunities today by accessing CME Group video modules. Get Started...

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 Marine Le Pen in the French Election; the growing fractures in long-standing international alliances like NATO, NAFTA, and the European Union; and the wave of autocracy, nationalism, and populist retrenchment in the face of globalization. However, are we witnessing a…...

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 a Mickey Mouse cartoon, circa 1930. The song was featured in the opening paragraphs of the book Elmer Gantry. “In the Good Old Summertime” has been recorded by The Andrew Sisters (1949); Les Paul & Mary Ford (1952); Bing Crosby…...

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 will be followed by a Managed Futures session led by Mark Shore, Adjunct Professor, DePaul University and a Marketing session, led by Matt Kluchenek, Baker & McKenzie. Mark’s session is entitled “Allocator Triage/Operational Integrity.” His panel includes Tony Lombardo, AON.…...

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 expiration, and seeks industry feedback on the roll-out of the following amendments: Click Here to Read Planned Change to Live Cattle Futures Contract Specifications...