Welcoming Remarks

Determining How The US Economic Downturn Is Affecting Global Commodity Markets

Jay. R. Feuerstein Chief Investment Officer 2100 Xenon

Today’s commodity prices are based upon global supply and demand. So when a leading economy suffers, how does that impact commodity demand (or lack thereof) around the rest of the world? No matter which trading approach or methodology you use to trade commodities, the US economy is directly or indirectly impacting the markets. You can’t miss this presentation that will outline the opportunities and risks in today’s commodity markets as a result of the US economic downturn.

• Investigating evidence of decoupling; is there hope for global growth?
• Will growth in China be sustained; will it outweigh other global events that affect supply and demand?
• Identifying general commodity price trends in a recession; when do they start to turn or has it already happened?
• Feeling the effects of the weakening US dollar around the globe and how it affects prices of commodities bought with the currency
• Identifying which commodities will be least affected by the changing world economy
• Aligning your commodity positions for profit in today’s global markets

PANEL: Adjusting Your Trading Models To Ensure Maximum Returns In An Extremely Volatile Market

	Dan Shaffer President and Head Trader Shaffer Asset Management
	Paul Samano Principal and Head Trader Lake II Trading

Today’s commodity markets are unlike those you have ever traded! Volatility is creating greater risk, but more opportunities for higher profits. In an unstable market, you simply can’t continue with your old ways of trading. Hear from our panel of experts explain how they are tapping into different commodities, changing trading models, but most importantly, achieving higher returns despite extreme volatility.

• Analyzing current market conditions to determine when to lower your exposure or stay away from certain trades
• Finding the right balance of shorter and longer term trading models in your current programs
• Sourcing new commodity markets and commodity-linked products to diversify your portfolio and mitigate risk
• Identifying opportunities to take advantage of greater volume and liquidity in the markets despite volatility

Discovering How Long Only Commodity Funds Have Dramatically Changed The Way Commodity Markets Trade

Emil van Essen Principal and Trader Abacus Fund Management

Each year more and more institutional investors allocate greater portions of their funds to commodities to take advantage of their negative correlation to other asset classes. No doubt, these extra billion dollars playing the commodity markets through indices each year are dramatically affecting price movements and changing your trades. Learn how Emil van Essen, a top ten performing CTA over the past three years, has altered his trading strategies to account for this passive institutional money while continuing to generate winning returns.

• Examining why long only commodity funds have been the main cause of the current bull market in most commodity prices
• Understanding why long only commodity funds have changed the nature of how those markets trade
  
• Adapting your trading and allocation models to best profit in the current environment

Guest Speaker: Examining The Economics Of Today's Commodity Markets And Price Dynamics

Dr. Pirrong, or “Dr. Commodities” as his students call him, has devoted his entire career to commodity and energy market research. An industry leader who sits on committees from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), Dr. Pirrong shares his research on the fundamental factors driving today’s commodity markets. Gain a unique, high level perspective into price drivers and trends to ensure your commodity trades are maximizing returns this year.

• Analyzing the relationship between market fundamentals and commodity price dynamics; how does this affect the pricing of commodity derivatives?
  
• Oil and gas as an example: linking observable fundamentals to movements of the markets
• Aligning your trading program and pricing models for maximum returns in today’s commodity markets

Capitalizing On Precious Metals Markets To Generate Higher Returns

Thomas B. Winmill President and Portfolio Manager Midas Funds

With gold a big performer as fears of inflation grow and global economies develop a higher standard of living, it’s no wonder precious metals are on everyone’s radars. But how well do you really understand the risks and potential rewards of these commodities? With more investors tapping into the precious metals markets, how can you be certain your trading strategies are producing maximum returns?

• Exploring reasons for the recent high performance of precious metals markets, especially gold
• Assessing the impact of economic changes on precious metal prices and their effect on future demands for these commodities
• Identifying the best data sources and paths to liquidity in today’s precious metals markets

Developing A Commodity Trading Model For Long Term Success In Unpredictable Markets

Undoubtedly, volatility will continue to ebb and flow. Some of the most profitable commodity traders argue that success comes not from making accurate predictions, but instead from identifying a single exploitable anomaly to develop a more quantitative-focused trading program. In this session, Scot Billington describes the necessary components of a trading program that will survive – and thrive – in both favorable and unfavorable markets.

• Identifying a winning methodology: Fundamental vs. technical; systematic vs. discretionary; shorter time frame vs. longer time frame
• Establishing a money management technique to correctly size your positions; does higher risk always equal higher returns?
• Discipline: Consistently following your trading methodology and money management parameters for long-term success

PANEL: Creating A Trading Program For Maximum Returns In Your Managed Futures Funds

With commodities remaining one of the highest performing asset classes today, how can you ensure your managed futures are producing the greatest returns possible? Our panel of experts describe how they achieve such high rates of return. Take from them some new strategies to move your managed futures trading program to the next level. In addition, be sure to hear panelist Elliot Noma’s view on what he is looking for when investing in a CTA so you can continually grow your number of investors for the long term.

• Outlining criteria fund of funds and other investors consider critical for a CTA
• Trading on a technical, fundamental, or discretionary basis; which strategy produces the greatest returns in today’s markets
• Achieving maximum risk management in managed futures to control inevitable drawdown periods
• Identifying trading systems and discretionary methods to best trade your managed futures commodities

The Commodity Conundrum: Securitization Of Commodities And Systemic Concerns

• Fundamentals or speculation: what is really behind the current commodities boom?
  
• Transformation of commodity trading from a hedging function into investments
  
• Securitization of commodities, market manipulation and the Enron loophole
  
• Can't we all just get along? Hedger/speculator relationship and solutions going forward

Ideas Xchange

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to work! Join a table and the moderator will lead your group through an interactive debate and discussion on the following topics. Every 30 minutes each moderator will rotate so you have the opportunity to discuss strategies and best practices for each of the most critical commodity trading issues affecting your desk’s profitability. Cocktails will be served during the last roundtable!

#1 Integrating Physical & Financial Positions Into Your Trading Portfolio

	Moderator:
	Michael Hinton Chief Marketing Officer Allegro Development
	Zachary D. Scott Vice President, Marketing Allegro Development

#2 Automated Trading Technology Moderator: Jesper Alfredsson, VP of Trading Solutions, Orc Software

Jesper Alfredsson VP of Trading Solutions Orc Software

#3 Environmental Commodities

Rob McAndrew Senior Vice President Chicago Climate Exchange

#4 Accurate And Timely Data From Satellites For Soft Commodity Trading

Shailu Verma President and Founder Lanworth, Inc.

Commodities Trader By TradeTech Cocktail Reception

After a day filled with constructive debate and information sharing, unwind with your new network of colleagues and friends at the Commodities Trader By TradeTech Cocktail Reception. Relax, have fun, and bring your business cards! Embrace this opportunity to forge new partnerships and uncover additional commodity trading strategies in an informal atmosphere.