ANNOUNCEMENTS

Copper’s Options Paradox and Three Signs Oil Prices Are Hitting Bottom By Erik Norland, Senior Economist, CME Group Copper’s Options Paradox Copper options implied volatility is trading near record lows While copper prices track China’s growth, options follow US monetary policy Continued tight US monetary policy could elevate copper implied volatility If Fed decides to cut … Read More

What Hurts and Helps Equity Sectors, Fed in Focus By Blu Putnam, Chief Economist & Erik Norland, Senior Economist, CME Group How Interest Rates, Inflation Impact Equity Select Sectors Higher short-term rates benefit financials but hurt utilities, real estate High volatility helps utilities, consumer staples and communication services In past three years, tech stocks have … Read More

Flood Havoc and Interest Rates Convergence Between U.S. and UK By Blu Putnam, Chief Economist & Erik Norland, Senior Economist, CME Group Flood Havoc Flooding delays crop seeding and imperils livestock, raising their prices Flood damage adds to farm losses from ongoing trade war with China Could U.S. exports of corn, soybeans be disrupted by … Read More

The Brexit Saga and Equity Select Sector Drivers By Blu Putnam, Chief Economist & Erik Norland, Senior Economist, CME Group Will Brexit Derail the Conservative Party? Tories deeply divided over Brexit terms, could be trounced in next election Conservative Party split over crashing out of EU or negotiating a trade deal Could UK government be … Read More

U.S. Treasury Options Skews, Bond Rally Offer Signs on Economy’s Health By Blu Putnam, Chief Economist & Erik Norland, Senior Economist, CME Group Podcast: Treasury Options Skews Treasury options skews have been reliable market indicators since 2007 Treasuries have often underperformed when options are skewed to the downside, and vice versa Expectations of a Fed … Read More