CFTC Proposes Position Limits for Four Energy Contracts in the Energy Futures and Options Markets to Curb Volatility

On January 14, 2010, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) proposed limits for certain futures and option contracts in the major energy markets that may curtail the investments of large banks and swaps dealers in the markets for oil, natural gas, heating oil and gasoline.  The proposal aims to curb some of the significant price volatility that occurred in 2007 and 2008.  Under the proposal, speculators in the futures markets will no longer be grouped together with commodity-linked businesses like airlines and oil companies that may exceed limits on the number of energy futures one trader can hold.  In addition, the proposal establishes consistent, uniform exemptions for certain swap dealer risk management transactions while maintaining exemptions for bona fide hedging.  This article outlines the proposed rule, the exemptions and the rule’s implications for hedge fund participants in the futures markets.

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