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August 25, 2008

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Investor In The Woods: Talking With A Broker

In the second installment of HAI's new column,
a commodities broker discusses the human
foibles driving many trading decisions.

The factors impacting decisions
The broker-client relationship
Do brokers have a legitimate role?

Robert Levin

Tuesday, 01 July 2008

Why Bother With GLD Options?

In late May, we ran a column announcing the debut of option trading on the SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE Arca: GLD) grantor trust (see "Options for Options"). Since then, we've received a fair amount of comment on gold ETF option trading, ranging from "So what?" to "That's crazy!"

Brad Zigler

Monday, 30 June 2008

ICE Age Growing

The exchange has become a major global player, accomplishing significant benchmarks in a remarkably short time.

Mission: transparency & efficiency
Electronic platforms vs. open outcry
Next stop - U.K. clearinghouse

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Wednesday, 25 June 2008

Bloom’s Off The Commodity Rose

This is the time of year that rose blossoms should be putting on a real show. The bloom that once graced commodity exchange share prices (see "Commodity Investing Through Exchange Shares") however, has faded even though futures prices and trading volumes are still setting records.

Brad Zigler

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Bloom’s Off The Commodity Rose

Brad Zigler

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Investor In The Woods: Part I

A new HardAssetsInvestor.com column that explores why investors might add commodities exposure to their portfolio.

Easy access
Avoiding the ravages of inflation
Demographic change or a fad?

Robert Levin

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Rogers/Van Eck Index Captures Global Market

The Rogers Van Eck Hard Assets Producers Index (RVE) might be the first legitimate benchmark for global commodity equities.

Instead of buying the milk, they buy the cow
The upside of global commodity equities
The downside of picks and shovels

Julian Murdoch

Thursday, 19 June 2008

PPI: The Numbers Behind The Numbers

Once again, we're forced to find comfort in "core" inflation measures. This morning's Producer Price Index (PPI) released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers both salve and fresh pain.

Brad Zigler

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

The Dollar, Inflation And You

Inflation in the euro zone ticked up to a higher-than-expected - and record-setting - 3.7% level in May, according to the screaming headline in today's Le Monde. The bad guys, natch, were oil and food prices.

Brad Zigler

Monday, 16 June 2008

The CPI For Breakfast: Hmmm, mmm!

This morning's Consumer Price Index release brought no joy to breakfast tables in America. CPI rose at an unexpectedly high 0.8% clip in May according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pundits, analysts and Manny the Bookie were laying odds on a 0.5% uptick in inflation after last month's 0.2% increase. The May surge translates to a 4.2% annual inflation rate.

Brad Zigler

Friday, 13 June 2008

Asset Allocation Expert Says Go Big On Commodities Exposure

Albert Brenner, executive managing editor of Asset Allocation Parametrics, says institutions should make high allocations to commodities.

Strong exposure even with low expected returns
Why commodities fit in a low-risk portfolio
Institutions still shy away from the asset
class

HardAssetsInvestor.com

Friday, 13 June 2008

Calming Proposals For Volatile Ag Markets

Delving into the CFTC's new initiatives regarding the disconnect between futures prices and cash bids, as well as market transparency.

The role of the index fund
Increased margin fees at issue
Potential limiting of players

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Wednesday, 11 June 2008

Marc Chandler Examines Changing Currencies