Capital inflow into China is set to accelerate this year as major index provider MSCI is increasing its index weight in A-shares while FTSE Russell and S&P Dow Jones are incorporating A-shares in their index series for the first time.

The Leading Products Guide gives you a snapshot of CME Group's top futures and options contracts by average daily volume (ADV) and open interest (OI) across Interest Rates, Equity Indices, Foreign Exchange (FX), Agricultural Commodities, Energy and Metals. You'll also find highlights on product launches and global partnership data.

Part of the solution or part of the problem?

In December 2007 the US Government passed a bill with the purpose of increasing dramatically the use of biofuels. The intention of the Lawmakers, at the time, was to address two sets of priorities: energy dependence and environmental concerns.

Corn futures are trading just above the most popular value range over the previous 5 years at 378 ¾ basis March19’ as of the close on 02/13. This range between 347 and 381 is the most heavily traded 30 cent range since the early 90s in terms of volume. You have to go back 60 years using historical data and Volume by Price bars to find a comparable value area (247 and 277).

As a new year begin, it’s time to look back and think of the year that was. 2018 was eventful for the markets and the economy.  Like all years are, we are going to spend a little time going through the more significant developments, as we remember them and with no pretense of completeness.

January

The latest “Chart View” post on October 29 2018 stressed patience and an indication the gold market may be susceptible to short-term washouts lower. The futures market did washout twice and very close to our areas we discussed. Further we projected there was enough value to make a run to 1300 in the CME Group COMEX Gold futures contract. 

Volatility in 2019 could be shaped to a large extent by major policy changes that influenced markets this year, from the still unresolved trade war with China, aluminum and steel tariffs, the fading benefits of the corporate tax cuts and possible lag effects of the Fed’s multiple rate hikes.

Highlights

• Corporate tax cuts could make for tough earnings growth comparisons in 2019

• Could economic impact of Fed hikes show up in 2019 as yield curve flattens?

Despite a volatile market in 2018, Single Stock Futures had a record year with their Average Daily Volume (ADV) reaching 3,508 contracts, representing an increase of 613% from a year earlier. The strong momentum persisted into 2019 with the ADV for the first five trading days reaching 5,138 contracts. Single Stock Futures have been providing investors with a low-cost channel to gain leveraged exposures. HKEX currently offers 78 Single Stock Future contracts including three A-share ETFs futures contracts.