Articles by Alexander Osipovich
Energy Risk USA: Storms, warm winter, fuel interest in weather derivatives
The extreme weather that hit North America recently has spurred interest in tools designed to hedge weather risk, according to participants speaking at Energy Risk USA
Energy Risk USA: End-user exception to clearing impractical experts warn
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s proposed rule on the end-user exception to clearing is unworkable for many energy firms that use swaps for hedging say market experts
Energy Risk USA: CFTC to move quickly on swap definition – Berkovitz
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is very close to finalising its long-awaited definition of a swap, says CFTC general counsel Dan Berkovitz
CFTC Dodd-Frank rule-making to drag on until fourth quarter, says O’Malia
CFTC commissioner raises doubt over time line for Dodd-Frank Act – despite a proposed five-month delay
Advert raises questions about US Airways' stance on fuel hedging
US Airways, which has stood out from the rest of the airline industry in recent years because of its refusal to hedge fuel costs, wants to hire someone to run a fuel hedging programme. The airline denies that it is reversing its stance on fuel hedging,…
Airline hedging falling short of best practices
Turbulence ahead
Can the boutique energy brokerage survive Dodd-Frank?
Endangered species?
Argentina’s YPF move raises political risk fears
Argentina’s expropriation of Repsol’s stake in YPF and Brazil’s prosecution of Chevron highlight the risks facing foreign energy companies in Latin America. Alexander Osipovich reports
Analysts still sceptical of Delta Air Lines refinery acquisition
This week, Delta Air Lines confirmed rumours that it was purchasing a refinery on the US east coast, a first-of-its-kind transaction. As details of the deal have emerged, some observers have warmed up to the idea that Delta can better manage its fuel…
Alpha commodity indexes: a sustainable source of absolute returns?
The alpha trackers
US energy firms relieved about CFTC’s ‘swap dealer’ definition; public utilities concerned
Many US energy companies breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday after the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) voted to narrow the definition of a 'swap dealer'. In a long-awaited decision, the agency dramatically raised the threshold for how…
White House seeks tools to fight ‘excessive’ oil speculation
On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama launched a new initiative aimed at curbing speculation in energy markets, arguing that it would help ease the pain of high gasoline prices. He urged Congress to give the US Commodities Futures Trading Commission …
Exclusive: Interview with Aramco Trading’s Said Al-Hadrami
Global players
Michael Cosgrove to leave GFI Group
GFI Group has announced the departure of energy and commodities broking veteran Michael Cosgrove
Possible Delta Air Lines refinery acquisition raises eyebrows
Analysts have been stunned by reports that Delta Air Lines is considering the purchase of an idled ConocoPhillips refinery on the US east coast. The unprecedented deal would provide Delta with an in-house source of jet fuel, but the problems inherent in…
Volcker rule to pummel US energy industry: IHS
The so-called 'Volcker rule', if carried out the way regulators have proposed, will make it more difficult for the US energy industry to access risk management services, harming oil and gas producers, refiners and utilities, according to a study released…
The long and winding road to Dodd-Frank
The road ahead
Assessing cybersecurity of the US power grid
Mission critical
New US EPA rules seek to dethrone old King Coal
New US EPA rules seek to dethrone old King Coal
Are alpha commodity index products sustainable?
The third generation
Low US natural gas prices stir hedging talk
As the boom in North American shale gas production continues to feed an oversupplied market, US natural gas prices sank to 10-year lows last week. Gas consumers are taking a serious look at seizing the opportunity to lock in prices — but remain hesitant…
US energy firms lagging in Dodd-Frank readiness: survey
Two-thirds of upstream US energy companies have done nothing to comply with new regulations imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act, according to a new survey
Refiners seek innovative tools for risk management
Old dogs, new tricks
Oil analysts' 2012 price forecasts up slightly on 2011 average
Hanging in the balance