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.