Number: RS22918
Title: Primer on Energy Derivatives and Their Regulation
Authors: Mark Jickling, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: Prices for oil and other energy commodities are set in futures and derivatives markets, where producers, commercial users, and financial speculators buy and sell contracts whose value is linked to the price of the underlying commodity. Trading occurs on regulated futures exchanges and in a largely unregulated over-the-counter (OTC) market; both forms of trading are global in scope. This report presents basic information about these markets, the instruments traded, the regulatory framework, speculation, and current legislative proposals.
Pages: 6
Date: July 15, 2008