SGX and LME to launch monthly metal futures by 2011

Singapore’s market will be the first in Asia to make metal futures available to investors.

Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the London Metal Exchange (LME) on Wednesday said they are jointly developing cash-settled mini monthly metals futures contracts to be traded and cleared through SGX, a joint release from SGX and LME said.

According to the release, SGX will be the first market in Asia to make available to investors – including individuals – metals futures priced off global benchmark prices from the LME.

Mr. Magnus Bocker, CEO of SGX said, “We are delighted that our discussions with the LME have resulted in a collaboration to offer metals futures contracts to our customers. These contracts will create increased trading, hedging and arbitraging opportunities at a time of strong interest in metals trading in Asia. They also further add diversity to our commodities suite and extend our lead as a major Asian commodity trading centre.”

The copper and zinc futures contracts are expected to be launched by the first quarter of 2011, followed by other metals contracts later in the year.

The collaboration is expected to broaden distribution into Asia for the LME, a leading market for non-ferrous metals.

“We are happy to announce this exciting development. We believe this will encourage a new group of market participants in the region who will, through this collaboration and provision of mini futures contracts jointly with the SGX, benefit from local access to the LME’s globally accepted benchmark price in non-ferrous metal and steel,” Mr. Martin Abbott, Chief Executive of LME said.

Join Singapore Business Review community
A NOTE FROM SINGAPORE BUSINESS REVIEW

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.


The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.


So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.