Energy
Spanish rules cushioned banks from the crisis, says top regulator
In an exclusive interview with Risk , José María Roldán, director-general of banking regulation at the Banco de España, explains how a unique regulatory framework has led Spanish banks to adopt prudent trading and risk management processes that paid off…
Regulator re-opens speculation debate
At the first of three hearings on possible methods to control oil price speculation today, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chairman called for serious consideration of the need for position limits in energy trading.
CFTC to regulate ICE natural gas contract as SPDC
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has imposed new regulatory and reporting requirements on a natural gas contract traded on the IntercontinentalExchange.
Nexen considers sale of marketing businesses
Nexen may sell all or part of its natural gas and power marketing businesses as part of a strategic review announced just over a week after it reported a drop in quarter two earnings.
Market uncertain over oil price direction
Analysts at investment banks are divided in their views over the average price of crude oil for the rest of 2009 and into 2010.
IEA outlook for oil supply too bullish says Calyon
The International Energy Agency's Medium-Term Oil Market Report 2009, released on June 29, was surprisingly bullish on oil supply, according to Christophe Barret, global oil analyst at French bank Calyon.
Airlines to face €1 billion carbon bill in 2012
Aviation's entry into the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) in 2012 is set to cost the sector €1 billion, a report by carbon analysts Point Carbon has shown.
Senate investigates speculation in wheat market
Several market participants appeared before a Senate subcommittee today to discuss the effect of excessive speculation on the price of wheat futures.
Exelon drops NRG acquisition plan
Exelon Corporation has terminated its offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of NRG Energy common stock at a fixed exchange ratio of 0.545 of a share of Exelon common stock for each share of NRG common stock.
Deutsche Bank lists hedge fund and carbon ETFs on LSE
Deutsche Bank has listed its hedge fund exchange-traded fund on the London Stock Exchange. The listing of the Ucits III compliant ETF, based on the db Hedge Fund Index, which follows the launch of a euro-hedge version on the Xetra Frankfurt in March, is…
Carbon market VAT scrutiny shifts to Climex
The Dutch government has announced changes to the way carbon permits will be taxed, following concerns about a 49% leap in volumes on Dutch carbon exchange Climex in June. The growth came despite an overall drop in trading volumes across all European…
Trayport links cleared OTC energy trades to LCH.Clearnet
Trading software provider Trayport has announced that it will now offer automated clearing for energy OTC trades on LCH.Clearnet.
Nabucco pipeline construction deal agreed
Five transit countries have signed an agreement to construct the €8 billion, 3300 km Nabucco natural gas pipeline.
Amerex launches consulting service
Amerex Brokers, an over-the-counter energy broker and wholly-owned subsidiary of GFI Group, has formed a fee-based energy risk management and execution consulting division called Amerex Energy Consulting Services (AECS).
French power supply problems could hit UK
Unusually high temperatures last month put a third of France's nuclear power stations out of action, forcing the country to import electricity from the UK. According to Chris Bowden, CEO of energy and carbon advisors Utilyx, the UK may face similar…
Pickens Plan hit by transmission issues
Oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens has confirmed reports that he is to shelve plans to build the world's largest wind farm in Texas and will funnel the resources into smaller projects instead.
Updated: Light at the end of the tunnel for Russian JI
The Russian government is discussing an important step towards clarifying regulatory procedures for JI projects, according to market participants.
Carbon traders reject EDF Energy’s price floor calls
Carbon market participants have criticised calls by EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz for a carbon price floor.
Recession drives carbon trading says report
The global carbon market has grown despite the economic slowdown, a report has shown. Global carbon market volumes grew by 124% and by 22%, in terms of value, in the first half of 2009, according to a report by market analysis firm Point Carbon…
The price isn't right
Former Saudi oil minister and head of Opec, His Excellency Sheikh Yamani, speaks to Roderick Bruce about his views on the past, present and future of the global crude oil markets
Oil & gas sector stung by Obama budget proposals
Tax changes proposed in President Obama's 2010 budget have raised concerns in the US oil & gas industry about supply security and price volatility. Pauline McCallion reports
“Slow and Painful” recovery for oil industry says Moodys
Ratings agency Moody's expects economic recovery within the global oil industry in 2010 to be 'slow and painful', according to its Industry Outlook for the Global Integrated Oil sector published last week.