bhas commodities

8/6/2019 Bhas Commodities

1/73

Ohio University Christ College Academy For Management Education 1

EXECUTIVE SUMM ARY

The summer Internship project was done at Bhas Commodities Pvt. Ltd. The

objective of the internship was to study the role of commodity futures in Indian

commodities market and the trading procedures by members of the exchange and also

to have a first hand experience in the field of commodities derivatives. The internship

also helped in getting exposed to various functions of the company like capital market

services, commodities derivatives and depository participant services, it also helped in

having a first hand experience in platform of trading and participate in mock trading

which the company contests to improve the efficiency of the employees of the company.

The internship also helped in gaining knowledge and experience in the field of

sales and marketing of the financial service products offered by the company, it also

helped in studying the market by meeting the clients as they are the main market

participants and has good knowledge about the market, the internship made available a

great opportunity to discusses about the various aspects of commodity market and its

working and also to gain relevant, real world experience in the operation and customer

services.

The internship was about A Study on Commodities Derivatives Market a

market survey was conducted to collect data pertaining commodity market and what the

customers feels about the market. Project details, findings, suggestions and conclusion

are detailed in project report.

The organizations background, its infrastructure, set up, its branches,

hierarchy etc have been researched by discussing with the employees of the

organization, reading the in house manuals and exchange manuals and visiting, the

company website. The various product and services offered by the company is also

listed in the project report.

A SWOT analysis has also been done for the company to identify the

strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the company compared to its

competitors and the industry standards.

The balance sheet of the company has been studied and various ratios like

Solvency Ratio, Profitability Ratio, Efficiency Ratio, and Liquidity Ratio was conducted to

find out the financial standing of the company and its strengths to the company.


2/73


The commodity derivative and the futures trading in commodities is a new

concept and has ample scope for future studies and also to identify new techniques in

the market as the commodities derivatives market is growing daily.


3/73


INTRODUCTION

In 2004 an X-NRI Indian Family started Bhas Commodities (P) Ltd, Bhas Securities (P)

Ltd and Pulikot Credits and Investment (P) Ltd managed by Mr. Varuthunny.P.I the

Chairman of the Group. The Registered and Head office of the company is situated in

Sultan Bathery, Wynad, Kerala.

The company provides a wide range of financial services from securities derivative

trading, commodity trading, depository services, research and advisory services,

consumer secured and unsecured loans against shares and mortgage. The primary

objective of the company is to generate medium to long-term capital growth (2-3 years)

by identifying undervalued stocks and those with growth opportunities from a select listof well researched stocks. The Secondary objective of the company is to provide a

helping hand to the investors and to guide the investors on the right path and to protect

the investors from the risks arising as share trading and commodities trading are

exposed to more risks. The objective of the company by entering the commodities

futures market is to help and save the farmers from price fluctuations and the

Manufactures, Exporters and Traders from the scarcity of the commodities they deal

with and to help in timely delivery of the products to their customers.

Bhas Securities achieved a tremendous growth in stock broking within a very short span

of its journey. The company stared off with a very wider concept of internet trading in

Kerala. The experts of the company with a highly potential caliber enable and help the

client in taking the most prudential investment portfolio. What the company feels about

the prudent investor is that he/she must have the right plan and he/she must trade on

active liquid stocks where he/she can recoup high rate of return with minimum risk. For

the market, it is the trend that matter and not the price at which he/she enter into.


4/73


Profile of the company

Bhas Commodities (P) Ltd

The company is a Corporate Member of National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange

(NCDEX), Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) and India Pepper and Spice Trade

Association (IPSTA). The Regional office is at Kozhikode. The branches of the company

are expanding steadily. Besides Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu where the company is

now having branches, further expansions are also planned to other parts of India by the

company management. Majority of the staff members are NCFM Certified professionals

who provide trading strategies suited to the business interests of each individual orbusiness house.

Bhas Securities (P) Ltd

The Company is a registered broker at the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay

Stock Exchange (BSE) and a Corporate Member of Cochin Stock Exchange. Share

broking is undertaken at all branches where commodity broking is carried out. The

service in share broking include on line buying of share/securities through NSE/BSE,

Depository Services, Internet Trading and giving proper advices in selecting stocks for

short term as well as for long term investment.

Pulikot Credits and Investments (P) Ltd

The Company is a RBI registered Non Banking Finance Company (NBFC) focusing on

vehicle hire purchase, loans on commodity, share, gold and other fully secured loans.

The Management is planning expansion of its services in the commodity and equity

sectors to other parts of India and abroad. This includes taking membership in

Commodity Exchanges outside India.


5/73


The profile of NCDEX and MCX Ex changes which the company is a member of

and has its trade with: All the exchanges have been set up under overall control of

Forward Market Commission (FMC) of Government of India.

National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX): National

Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) located in Mumbai is a public

limited company incorporated on April 23, 2003 under the Companies Act, 1956 and had

commenced its operations on December 15, 2003.This is the only commodity exchange

in the country promoted by national level institutions. It is promoted by ICICI Bank

Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), National Bank for Agriculture and

Rural Development (NABARD) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE). It is

a professionally managed online multi commodity exchange. NCDEX is regulated by

Forward Market Commission and is subjected to various laws of the land like the

Companies Act, Stamp Act, Contracts Act, Forward Commission (Regulation) Act and

various other legislations.

Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX): Headquartered in MumbaiMulti Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX), is an independent and de-mutulised

exchange with a permanent recognition from Government of India. Key shareholders of

MCX are Financial Technologies (India) Ltd., State Bank of India, Union Bank of India,

Corporation Bank, Bank of India and Canara Bank. MCX facilitates online trading,

clearing and settlement operations for commodity futures markets across the country.

MCX started offering trade in November 2003 and has built strategic alliances with

Bombay Bullion Association, Bombay Metal Exchange, Solvent Extractors Association of

India, Pulses Importers Association and Shetkari Sanghatana.


6/73


BHAS BRANCHES

1. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Cochin, Kerala.

2. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Calicut, Kerala.

3. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Kalpetta, Kerala.

4. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Meenagady, Kerala.

5. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Mananthavady, Kerala.

6. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Meppady, Kerala.

7. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Gudalur, Tamilnadu.

8. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Ootty, Tamilnadu.

9. Bhas Pvt Ltd, Gonikkoppa, Karnataka.

BHAS FRANCHISES

10.D.J. Systems, Sulthan Bathery, Kerala.

11.Kuriakose Brothers Spices Pvt Ltd, Sulthan Bathery, Kerala.

12.Agro Indus, Cochin, Kerala.


7/73


Products and Services

Shares

Account opening

Depositary participant account opening

Demat dematerialization of shares. Convert share certificates to electronic

form. This gives the share holders the option to hold share certificates in the

demat mode instead of having them in physical paper form. These electronic

balances could be easily transferred thereby eliminating the hassles of

physical transfer and settlement system, which may involve bad delivery,

fake share certificate etc.

Platform for trading information about shares, how to trade and which

shares to invest.

Commodity

Account opening

Depositary participant account opening for the purpose of delivery.

Demat dematerialization of warehouse receipts. Dematerialization refers to

the process of conversion of the physical paper (warehouse receipts) into the

electronic balance.

Assist in actual delivery buying and selling

Pay in, pay out

Platform for trading buy or sell for all clients, communicating to clients

about the fluctuations in the daily market. Providing information to clients

about the market how to trade, factors to be looked in while trading to

protect profits and minimize losses.

Credits and Investments

Provide credits for vehicle hire purchase, loans on commodity, share, gold and other

fully secured loans.


8/73


SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

Bhas Pvt. Ltd being the first of its kind in Wyanad district, it has a more loyal

customer base.

The company does trading through Leased line MPSL, which is more

advanced than VSAT since trading is done through the leased line it is much

faster, reduces mistakes and easier to monitor, the company also has the

required infrastructure and technological support to handle very large

number of clients and investors.

The workforce consists of young talented determined people between the

age group of 25 35; hence they are more innovative and risk takers whiletrading.

WEAKNESSES

Compared to its competitors Bhas Pvt. Ltd has less brand value.

Converting farmers from trading in spot market to future market.

e.g.; In the case of gold jewellery people are more comfortable going to a

known pawn broker then to a jewellery showroom, even though the quality is

better in the showroom. It is the same case in the commodity market.


9/73


OPPORTUNITIES

Opening up of Indian economy has provided the company with a very good

opportunity to grow. This trend is expected to continue for years to come.

With the economy expected to be more liberal in the forthcoming years the

company is poised to attain new heights.

The company being only two years old and new in the market has more scope

to diversify the services it offers in the near future.

Wyanad being a commodity dominated market; it can be converted into a

potential investors market.

Commodities strong performance this year should bode well for currencies

and equities associated with the sector, including emerging markets.

Banks and Insurance coming in into the commodities market would be a

boom to the commodity market.

THREATS

Financial Services is open to unstable political scenario, like change in the

government, or implementation of new budgets by state and central

governments.

Unfavorable government policies and levy of new taxes will demoralize the

investors from making new investments.

As India is becoming an open economy and government policies favoring

foreign investments there are chances of foreign investors entering the

market and becoming a threat.

Fund buying and selling malpractices, because of this many commodities

have been banned from trading.

There is a huge space for employee retention because they find the work

very hectic, and holidays provided by the exchange are only three days,

there is no uniformity on holidays between exchanges.


10/73


FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

For the financial analysis purposes the Balance Sheet and Profit and loss accounts of

Bhas Commodities were taken up for two years 2006 and 2007.

The data were analyzed for assessing the financial position and performance of the

company in the terms of efficiency, solvency and profitability.

The issued, subscribed and paid up capital increased by Rs.9 lakhs compared to the

previous year. In 2006 2007 the Profit after Tax has increased from Rs.34401 to

Rs.47600. While the current assets have decreased by Rs.3 lakhs, current liabilities have

also decreased by Rs.12 lakhs. The unsecured loans and advances have increased from

Rs.60 lakhs to Rs.78 lakhs

No dividend has been paid as the Bhas Commodities Pvt. Ltd has utilized the profits to

set off losses carried forward from the previous years.

Solvency Ratio

For the year ended 31st march 2006: 0.5833


Ideal ratio is above 1.

Profitability Ratio

Return on Shareholders equity capital



Earnings per share ratio




11/73


Efficiency Ratio

Debt Equity ratio



Earnings per share



Liquidity Ratio

Current ratio



Quick ratio




12/73


Remarks and Comments on the Ratios

Return on capital employed reflects the overall efficiency of how the capital is employed.

This ratio is useful in making capital budgeting decisions, higher the ratio higher

efficiency.

Return on shareholders equity is another measure of profitability. Higher the ratio better

is the performance.

Proprietary ratio indicates the strength of the company.

Debt equity ratio establishes relationship between outside liabilities of a business and

the owners equity. Debt equity ratio has increased from 0.409 in 2006 to 0.7272 which

shows how much debt financing has been used in the business. A high ratio means that

claims of creditors are greater than those of the owners.

Earnings per share indicate whether or not the firms earnings power on per share basis

has changed over a period. Earnings per share simply show the profitability of the firm

on per share basis. Increase in Earnings per share is due issue of additional equity

shares.

Current ratio is a measure of the firms short term solvency. It indicates the availability

of current assets in rupees for every one rupee of current liability. The current ratio

represents a margin of safety for creditors. Since the value of current ratio is less than

one does not mean the company is not doing well, this is because the current ratio is a

test of quantity, not quality.

Quick ratio establishes a relationship between quick, or liquid, assets and current

liabilities. Generally a quick ratio of 1 to 1 is considered to represent a satisfactory

current financial condition. Quick ratio is same as the current ratio for the company

because there is no inventory. Quick ratio has improved from 0.5833 in 2006 to 0.6666

in 2007 this could be due to the increase in the quick assets.


13/73


14/73


Figure 1 Trading Structure in a Derivative market

History of Commodity Market

Evolution of commodity market

Commodities futures trading have evolved from the need for ensuring continuous supply

of seasonal agricultural crops in Japan, merchants stored rice in warehouses for future

use. In order to raise cash, warehouse holders sold receipts against the stored rice.

These were known as rice tickets Eventually such rice tickets became accepted as a

kind of general commercial currency. Rules came into being, to standardize the tradingin rice tickets.

The concept of organized trading in commodities evolved in the middle of 19th century,

in Chicago, United States. Chicago had emerged as a major commercial hub with

railroad and telegraphs lines connecting it with the rest of the world, thereby attracting

wheat producers from Mid-West to sell their products to the dealers and distributors.

However, lack of organized storage facilities and absence of a uniform weighing/

grading mechanism often confined them to the mercy of dealers discretion. This led to

inherent need to establish a common meeting place both for framers and dealers to

transact in spot grain-to deliver wheat and receive cash in return. This happened in

1848.

Gradually, the framers (sellers) and dealers (buyers) started to make commitments to

exchange the produce for cash in future. This is have the contract for futures trading


15/73


evolved whereby the producer would agree to sell his produce (wheat) to the buyer at a

future delivery date at an agreed upon price. In this way the framers knew in advance

about what he would receive for his produce and the dealer would know about his costs

involved. This arrangement was beneficial to both the producer and the trader.

These contracts became popular very quickly and started changing hands even before

the delivery date of the product. If a dealer is not interested in taking delivery of the

product, he would sell his contract to someone who needed the same. Similarly, the

framer who did not intend to deliver his crop would pass on the responsibility to

another. The price of the contract would depend on the price movements in the wheat

market.

With some more modification, such contracts gradually transformed into an instrument

to protect the parties involved against adverse factors like unexpected price movements,

unfavorable climatic factors etc. For example during bad weather people having

contracts to sell wheat would be interested to hold more valuable contracts due to

supply shortages. Conversely if there is oversupply the sellers contract value would

decline. This prompted the entry of traders in futures market who had no intentions to

buy or sell wheat but would purely speculate on price movements in the market to earn

profit.

Trading in futures as a result became a very profitable mode of activity that encouraged

the entry of other commodities in the futures market thereby creating a platform to set

up a body that can regulate and supervise these contracts. Thus, during 1848, the

Chicago Board of Trade was established. It was initially formed as a common location

known both to the buyers and sellers to negotiate forward contracts.

In the early 20th century, as communication and transportation became more advanced,

centralized warehouses were built in the principal market centers to distribute goods

more economically. Agricultural commodities were the most commonly traded, but it let

to the fact that a market can flourish for any underlying as long as there is an active

pool of buyers and sellers

In the 1870s and 1880s the New York Coffee, Cotton and Produce Exchanges were

born. The largest commodity exchanges in USA are the Chicago Board of Trade, The

Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the New York Mercantile Exchange, the New York

Commodity Exchange and the New York Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa Exchange. Worldwide


16/73


there are major futures trading exchanges in over twenty countries including Canada,

England, India, France, Singapore, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The various exchanges are constantly looking for new products in which to trade

futures. In USA, futures trading are regulated by an agency of the Department of

Agriculture called the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. It regulates the futures

exchanges, brokerage firms, money managers and commodity advisors.


17/73


INTRODUCTION TO DERIVATIVES

Derivatives are financial contracts, which derive their value from an underlying asset.

The underlying asset can be equity, commodity, foreign exchange, interest rates, real

estate or any other asset. Broadly four types of derivatives are traded, namely forwards,

futures, options and swaps.

Derivative contracts can be traded either in an exchange or over-the-counter.

Exchange: Exchange is a central marketplace for buyers & sellers. The contracts are

standardized to ensure that the prices mean the same to everyone in the market. The

prices in an exchange are determined in the form of a continuous auction by the

members who are acting on behalf of their clients, companies or themselves. This

auction provides a readily available, widely accepted reference price for the underlying,

a process that is called price discovery. All participants of a futures contract are subject

to the same specifications of quality, quantity & delivery terms. The Exchange does not

take positions in the market nor can it advise people on what positions to take. The

responsibility of the Exchange is to ensure that the market is fair & orderly. All

Exchanges are governed by regulatory authority & are aware of the identity of anyone

holding a substantial position. Members violating the rules can be subject to fines or

other penalties.

Over-the-counter: OTC is an alternative trading platform, linked to a network of

dealers who do not physically meet but instead communicate through a network of

phones & computers. Trades are usually transacted between financial institutions that

can also act as market makers for the commonly traded instruments. All transactions

over the telephone are recorded, in case of future disputes that may arise. The buyer &

seller to suit their requirements can customize the contracts traded in these markets.

Hence, terms of the contract need not be specified as in the case of an Exchange.

There are three types of OTC markets:

(a) Traditional dealer market: In this, the dealers act as market makers by maintaining bid


18/73


and offer quotes. The dealers communicate the quotes and the execution prices are

negotiated upon over the telephone and sometimes through an electronic bulletin board.

It is bilateral trading as only the two ends of a phone observe prices at a given point of

time.

(b) Electronic Broking Market (EBM): This is similar to the electronic trading platforms used

by exchanges. These are considered to be over the counter since the contracts are less

standardized. The EBM neither sets the contract design nor clears the derivative

transactions.

(c) Proprietary trading platform market: This is a combination of the first two in which a

dealer sets up his own proprietary electronic trading platform. The dealer quotes the

bids and asks exclusively for the market participants to observe his quotes only and not

each other's. In this form of trading the dealer acts as the counter party to every trade

so that half of the credit risk in the market is his.

Meaning of Forward, Futures

Aforward contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a

future date for price agreed upon while signing the agreement. Forward contract is not

traded on an exchange. The terms and conditions of forward contracts are customized

based on negotiations between the counter parties. It is the oldest form of derivative

contract.

Afutures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specified and

standardized quantity and quality of an asset at a certain time in the future at a price

agreed upon at the time of entering into the contract on the futures exchange.

Difference between Spot and Futures markets

Commodities can be transacted in both the spot as well as in the futures markets.

Although the two markets are separated, they are interrelated nevertheless. The

commodities are physically bought or sold on a negotiated basis in the spot market,

which is generally considered as the actual physical market for immediate delivery. Most

often, the contract requires for the actual delivery of the commodity traded to be made.


19/73


It may also specify for immediate or forward delivery in the future at a set time.

The futures market, however, facilitates buying and selling of standardized contractual

agreements (for future delivery) of the underlying asset as the specific commodity and

not the physical commodity itself. The formulation of a futures contract is very specific

regarding the quality of the commodity, the quantity to be delivered and the date for

delivery. However, it does not involve immediate transfer of ownership of the

commodity, unless resulting in delivery. Thus, in the futures markets, commodities can

be bought or sold irrespective of whether one has possession of the underlying

commodity or not.

The physical markets for commodities deal in either cash or spot contract for ready

delivery and payment within 11 days, or forward (not futures) contracts for delivery of

goods and/or payment of price after 11 days. These contracts are essentially party to

party contracts, and are fulfilled by the seller giving delivery of goods of a specified

variety of a commodity as agreed to between the parties. In case of unforeseen

situations which prevent buyers or sellers from receiving or giving deliveries then in such

cases contracts may be cash settlement mutually.

The futures market, unlike the physical markets, trade in futures contracts primarily for

the purpose of risk management that is hedging on commodity stocks or forward buys

and sells. Most of these contracts are squared off before maturity and thus rarely end in

deliveries. Speculators, who are key players in the futures markets, also use these

contracts to benefit from price movements and are hardly interested in taking or giving

delivery of commodities.

The term Basis refers to the difference in spot and futures prices of a commodity. The

spot price is the real price of the physical commodity while the futures price refers to the

price of a contract being traded in the futures market. Although, the prices of the spot

and futures are different they do have the tendency to parallel each other due to their

relationship. Irrespective of the market condition, the futures and spot prices tend to

equalize as the maturity date for the contract approaches. A future contract approaching

expiration date becomes, in effect, a spot contract.


20/73


Evolution of Commodity futures in India

The history of futures trading in commodities in India is almost as old as that of US. It

has, however, passed through a turbulent past. India's first organized futures market

was the Bombay Cotton Trade Association Ltd., which was set up in 1875. Futures

trading in oilseeds started with the setting up of Gujarati Vyapari Mandali in 1900. Gold

futures trading began in Mumbai in 1920. During the first half of the 20th century, there

were several commodity futures exchanges trading in jute, pepper, turmeric, potatoes,

sugar, etc.

However, during the 1940s to 1960s, trading in forwards and futures became difficult as

a result of price controls. Major policy decisions taken after Independence, mainly

because of the then prevailing scarcity situation, adversely affected the development of

futures and forwards markets in the country. In 1952, the Forward Contract Regulation

Act was passed which controls all transferable forward and futures contracts. This again

put restriction on futures trading. During the 1960s and 70s, the Government of India

suspended trading in several commodities like cotton, jute, edible oilseeds, etc. as the

government felt that these markets were increasing the prices of commodities.

The government's twin policies of offering to buy agricultural produce at a "minimum

support price" (MSP) and gaining a monopoly in storage/transportation/distribution of

agricultural produce along with a ban on futures and options trading were the majorfactors that weakened the agro-commodity markets in the country.

The government appointed two committees to study this sector i.e. the Dantwala

Committee in 1966 and the Khusro Committee in 1980, which recommended the

reintroduction of futures trading in major commodities. The government finally brought

back forward trading in agricultural commodities in the early 1980's. But, it was done for

commodities that did not have a very significant role in the economy - such as castor

seed and castor oil, jaggery, jute, pepper, potato and turmeric. Several localized

exchanges started trading in the same commodity, each of them with a local

broker/wholesale-merchandiser. But, even after a decade, none of the markets achieved

the levels of liquidity that existed prior to the ban on commodity futures trading.

Once futures trading became operational, in spite of liberalization, it has been difficult

for trade to be transferred from illegal black markets, which have zero tax liability and


21/73


no reporting requirements to the legal authorities as compared to the regulated

markets, where taxes & reporting are part of the legal procedures. Further, responding

to the need for commodity futures in India, in 1993, a committee was set-up for

assessing the scope for forwards and futures trading in commodities and for

recommending steps to be taken for development of futures trading in India. The

Committee so instituted was known as the Kabra Committee and much of its

recommendations have been implemented.

Whereas, with the current initiatives of the regulators, these markets have shown

revolutionary changes in the last few years, with the National-level multi commodity

exchanges in India showing tremendous potential to tap the commodity derivatives

market.

Meaning and objectives of commodity futures

A commodity futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a

specified and standardized quantity and quality of a commodity at a certain time in

future at a price agreed upon at the time of entering into the contract on the commodity

futures exchange.

The need for a futures market arises mainly due to the hedging function that it can

perform. Commodity markets, like any other financial instrument, involve risks

associated with frequent price volatility. The loss due to price volatility can be attributed

to the following two reasons:

Consumer Preference: In the short- term, their influence on price volatility is small

since it is a slow process permitting manufacturers, dealers & wholesalers to adjust their

inventory in advance.

Changes in Supply: They are abrupt & unpredictable bringing about wild fluctuations

in prices. This can be especially noticed in agricultural commodities where the weather

plays a major role in affecting the fortunes of people involved in this industry. The

futures market has evolved to neutralize such risks through a mechanism; namely

hedging.

The objectives of commodity futures:

Hedging with the objective of transferring risk related to the possession of

physical assets through any adverse movements in price.


22/73


Liquidity and Price discovery to ensure base minimum volume in trading of a

commodity through market information and demand-supply factors that

facilitates a regular and authentic price discovery mechanism.

Maintaining buffer stock and better allocation of resources as it augments

reduction in inventory requirement and thus the exposure to risks related with

price fluctuation declines. Resources can thus be diversified for investments.

Futures trading leads to predictability in assessing the domestic prices, which

maintains stability, thus safeguarding against short-term adverse price

movements. Liquidity in the contracts of the commodities traded also ensures in

maintaining the equilibrium between demand and supply.

Flexibility, certainty and transparency in purchasing commodities facilitate bank

financing. Predictability in the prices of commodity would lead to stability, which

in turn would eliminate the risks associated with running the business of trading

commodities. This would make funding easier and less stringent for banks to

commodity market players.

Pricing commodity futures

The relationship between cash price and futures price can be explained in terms of cost

of carry. Cost of carry is an important element in determining pricing relationship

between spot and futures prices as well as between prices of futures contracts of

different expiry months. According to the cost of carry model, futures prices depend on

the spot price of a commodity and the cost of storing the commodity from the date of

spot price to the date of delivery of the futures contract. Cost of storage and insurance

and cost of financing constitute cost of carry. Estimated cost of futures price is also

called "Full carry futures price".

Cost of carry model: The cost of carry model can be defined .as:

F=S+C (Where F=Futures price S=Spot price C=Cost of carry)


23/73


Exchange membership

Membership of Exchange is open to any person, association of persons, partnerships,

co-operative societies, companies etc. that fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the

exchange. All the members of the exchange have to register themselves with the

competent authority before commencing their operations. Membership categories are

different for different exchanges, membership types are explained in detail as under.

Trading-cum-Clearing Member (TCM)

A TCM is entitled to trade on his own account as well as on account of his clients, and

clear and settle trades himself. A sole proprietor, partnership firm, a joint Hindu

Undivided Family (HUF), a corporate entity, a cooperative society, a public sector

organization, statutory organization or any other Government or non-Government entitycan become a TCM.

There are two types of Trading-cum-Clearing (TCM) memberships, namely, TCM-1 and

TCM-2. TCM-1 refers to transferable non-deposit based membership and TCM-2 refers

to non-transferable deposit-based membership.

A person desirous of being registered, as a Trading-cum-Clearing-Member is required to

submit an application as per the format prescribed under the business rules, along with

all enclosures, fee and other documents specified therein. He is required to go through

an interview by the Membership Admission Committee and the committee is entitled to

accept or reject his application. The Committee is also empowered to frame rules or

criteria relating to admission of membership. After taking into account the report of the

Membership Admission Committee, the Board takes a final decision relating to selection

or rejection of a member. On selection, the member is required to execute and submit

an Undertaking called as "Trading-cum-Clearing-Member Undertaking" as data as per

format prescribed under the business rules. On selection and after complying with all the

requirements stated above and also after payment of admission fee, security deposit,

VSAT charges, etc., the member becomes entitled to trade on his own account as well

as on account of his clients.

If a Trading-cum-Clearing-Member is desirous of clearing, either all or part of his trades

through an Institutional Trading-cum-Clearing-Member (ITCM) or a Professional Clearing

Member (PCM), he is allowed to do so.


24/73


Institutional Trading-Cum-Clearing Member (ITCM)

Only an Institution / Corporate can be admitted by the Exchange as a member,

conferring upon them the right to trade and clear through the Clearing House of the

Exchange as an Institutional Trading-cum Clearing Member (ITCM). Moreover, the

Member may be allowed to make deals for himself as well as on behalf of his clients and

clear and settle such deals. Further the ITCMs can also appoint sub-brokers, authorized

persons and Trading Members who would be registered as Trading Members in the

exchange at the request of the ITCM. The ITCM will clear and settle trades on behalf of

the sub-brokers, authorized persons and such Trading Members who are registered in

the exchange at their request, subject to the terms and conditions specified by the

exchange.

Professional Clearing Member (PCM)

A PCM is entitled to clear and settle trades executed by other members of the exchange.

A corporate entity and an institution only can apply for PCM. The Member would be

allowed to clear and settle trades of such members of the exchange who choose to clear

and settle their trades through such PCM.


25/73


Participants in Commodity derivatives Market

Hedgers

Futures contracts have been used as financial offsets to cash market risk for more than

a century. Futures to reduce or limit the price risk of the physical asset. Hedging is an

insurance used to avoid or reduce price risks associated with any kind of futures

transaction.

The degree of effectiveness of a hedge is determined by the percentage of the actual

gain or loss incurred in a futures transaction. Though most hedges reduce risks related

to price variations, they do not eliminate them altogether.

"Margin" for futures contracts is usually between 5% and 10% of the contract value and

is put up in good faith, indicating the buyer or seller's willingness to pay or deliver theentire amount if the contract is held until delivery. Because margin requirements are so

low, it is possible to hedge small or large quantities of commodities. In fact, the low

margins required for trading in futures contract provide high "leverage" for traders. This

is because; the traders can take large exposures even by investing marginal (small)

amount of deposit with the exchange.

Speculators

When supplies of a commodity are greater than the present demand or need, prices

tend to decline. If supplies appear to fall short of demand, prices trend upward.

Estimating market supply and demand conditions are the challenges faced by market

participants. It is generally accepted that speculators are interested in making fast

money by anticipating future price movements. Commodity futures allow speculators to

create high leveraged positions. A speculator accepts the risk that hedgers seek to

avoid, giving the market the liquidity required to service hedge participants effectively

by providing the market with the necessary bids and offers for a continuous flow of

transactions. Speculation is the opposite of hedging. A speculator holds no offsetting

cash market position and deliberately incurs price risk in order to benefit from price

movements.

A speculator is an additional buyer of commodities whenever it seems that market prices

are lower than they should be. Consumers consider this to be against their best interest.


26/73


Conversely, when it appears that prices are too high, a speculator becomes an active

seller.

Individual speculators tend to trade a smaller number of contracts than hedgers and

hold market positions for a shorter time, so several of them may be needed to offset

one large hedge order. The maximum number of contracts that can be held by anyone

speculator is limited by exchange rules.

The less capital required makes speculating in futures contracts very attractive. If the

total value of the contract had to be paid, the rate of return on most commodities would

be extremely small. The small margin provides speculators with the necessary leverage

to generate a substantial rate of return. On the other side it also generates substantial

risk.

Arbitragers

Arbitragers are interested in making purchases and sales in different markets at the

same time to profit from price discrepancy between the two markets. So arbitragers are

interested in locking in a minimum profit by simultaneously entering into transactions in

two or more markets. An arbitrager knows the minimum profit potential at the time of

entering into transactions. In todays financial markets, most arbitrage opportunities

occur either between regions, delivery periods or a combination of these conditions.

Arbitrage means locking in a profit by simultaneously entering into transactions in two or

more markets. If the relationship between spot prices and futures prices in terms of

basis or between prices of two futures contracts in terms of spread changes, it gives rise

to arbitrage opportunities. Difference in the equilibrium prices determined by the

demand and supply at two different markets also gives opportunities to arbitrage. The

futures price must be equal to the spot price plus cost of carrying the commodity to the

futures delivery date else arbitrage opportunity arises.


27/73


ADVANCED CONCEPTS IN COMMODITY FUTURES

Hedging

Hedging means taking a position in the futures market that is opposite to a position in

the physical market with the objective of reducing or limiting risks associated with price

changes. Hedging is a two-step process. For instance, if the hedger is going to buy a

commodity in the cash market at a future date, he buys the futures contract now and

when he buys the commodity in the cash market, the futures contract is squared off to

reduce or limit the risk of the purchase price. If the hedger is going to sell a commodity

in the cash market in the future, he sells the futures contract now and when he sells the

commodity in the cash market, the futures contract is squared off to reduce or limit the

risk of the sales price.Buying hedge or Long hedge

Buying hedge is also called as Long hedge. Buying hedge means buying a futures

contract to hedge a cash position. Buying hedge strategy is used by dealers, consumers,

fabricators, etc. who have taken or will be taking an exposure in the physical market.

Usesof buying hedge strategy

To protect increase in the cost of raw material

To replace inventory at a lower prevailing cost

To protect uncovered forward sale of finished products

Selling hedge or Short hedge

Selling hedge is also called Short hedge. Selling hedge means selling a futures contract

to hedge a cash position. Selling hedge strategy is used by dealers, consumers,

fabricators, etc. who have taken or will be taking an exposure in the physical market.

Uses of selling hedge strategy

To protect the price of finished products

To protect inventory not covered by forward sales.

To protect prices of estimated production of finished products.

Rolling over the Hedge Positions

If the time period required for a hedge position is later than the expiration date of the

current futures contracts, the hedger can roll over the hedge position. Rolling over the


28/73


hedge position means closing out the existing position in one futures contract and

simultaneously taking a new position in a futures contract with a later expiration date. If

a person wants to reduce or limit the risk due to fall in prices of the finished material to

be sold after 6 months and if futures contracts up to 2 months are liquid, then he can

roll over the short hedge position three times till the date when the actual physical sale

takes place. Every time the hedge position is rolled over, there is a possibility of basis

risk but at the same time it limits or reduces the price risk.

Advantages & Limitations of Hedging

Advantages:

1. Hedging reduces or limits the price risk associated with the physical commodity.

2. Hedging is used to protect the price risk of a commodity for long periods by rolling

over contracts.

3. Hedging makes business planning more flexible without interfering with routine

business operations.

4. Hedging can facilitate low cost financing

Limitations:

1. Hedging cannot eliminate the price risk associated with the physical commodity in

totality due to the standardized nature of futures contract.

2. Because of basis risk, hedging may not provide full protection against adverse price

changes.

3. Hedging involves transaction costs.

4. Hedging may require closing out a futures position before it enters into the delivery

period.

Speculation

Speculation means anticipating future price movements to make profits from it. The

main objective of speculation in a commodity futures market is to take risks & profit

from anticipated price changes in the futures price of an asset. A speculator will buy

futures contracts (long position) if he anticipates an increase in the price of the


29/73


commodity in future and he will sell futures contracts (short position) if he anticipates a

fall in the price of the commodity in future.

Long position in futures

Long position in a commodity futures contract without any exposure in the cash market

is called a speculative transaction. Long position in futures for speculative purpose

means buying a futures contract in anticipation of increase in the price before expiry of

contract. If the price of the futures contract increases before the expiry of the contract

then the trader makes profit on squaring off the position and if the prices of the futures

contract decrease then the trader makes losses.

Speculators can also be classified into two categories; long and short speculators. Long

speculators are those who expect the price to rise above the current level and assume

risks by buying futures contracts.

Shortposition in futures

Short position in a commodity futures contract without any exposure in the cash market

of the commodity means a speculative transaction. Short position in futures for

speculative purposes means selling a futures contract in anticipation of decrease in the

price before expiry of the contract. If prices of the futures contract decrease before

expiry of the contract then the trader makes profits on squaring off the position and if

prices of the futures contract increase then the trader makes losses.

Short speculators are those who expect the price to fall and consequently sell futures

contracts. In futures market, the total short selling position, made up of short hedgers

and short speculators, and the total long buying position, made up of long hedgers and

long speculators, must always be equal. Any excess of short over long hedging must be

balanced by an equal amount of long over short speculation.

The role of speculation in Futures Markets

One of the prominent concerns about the functioning of the commodity futures markets

and its effect on the distribution of manpower is speculation. Speculation provides the

depth and flow that is key to the functioning of a futures market. There will be very high

illiquidity in the futures market if firms after entering a trade to buy or sell have to wait

till a suitable bid or offer arose since the availability of commodities in physical may not

always necessarily match with the firm's decision to buy or sell commodities.


30/73


There are also misconceptions rife about speculation being similar to gambling. Although

the intention of both the speculators and gamblers is to profit by taking risks, the

gambler creates risk when none exist, the speculator on the other hand takes risk that is

already prevalent in the market and as a result plays an economically significant role. A

proper and accurate assessment and interpretation of the fundamental factors that drive

the market forces determines the extent of success in speculating in the futures markets

while in gambling it is only a matter of chance. In fact, the important function of price

discovery in the futures markets is a direct outcome of the exercise of information

gathering in the underlying commodities being done by the speculators.

Speculation is also not similar to manipulation. A manipulator tries to push prices in the

reverse direction of the market equilibrium while the speculator forecasts the movement

in prices and this effort would eventually bring the prices closer to the market

equilibrium. If the futures markets do not adhere to the relevant risk management

requirements of growers, manufacturers, traders and processors, they would not survive

since their correlation with the underlying physical market would be nonexistent.

Meaning of spread trading

Spread refers to difference in prices of two futures contracts. An understanding of

spread relationship in terms of fair spread is essential to earn speculative profit.

Considerable knowledge of a particular commodity is also necessary to enable the trader

to use spread trading strategy. When actual spread between two futures contracts of

the same commodity widens, buy the near month contract because it is under- priced

and sell the far month contract because it is overpriced. When actual spread between

two futures contracts of the same commodity narrows, sell near month contract because

it is overpriced and buy far month contract because it is under priced.

A calendar spread is a spread between the same variable at two points in time. A

calendar spread for the price of an agricultural product prior to and after a harvest

might be of interest, as might be the calendar spread between the price of natural gas

in summer and winter.

An intra-commodity spread consists of one long future and one short. Both have the

same underlying, but different maturities.


31/73


An inter-commodity spread is a long-short position in futures on different underlying

commodities.

Both typically have the same maturity

Spreads can also be constructed with futures traded on different exchanges. Typically

this is done using futures on the same underlying, either to earn arbitrage profits or, in

the case of the underlying commodity, to create an exposure to price spreads between

two geographically separate delivery points.

Buying a spread

Buying a spread is an intra-commodity spread strategy. It means buying a near month

contract and simultaneously selling a far month contract. This strategy is adopted when

the near month contract is under priced or the far month contract is overpriced. A trader

of the above strategy buys the near month contract and sells the far month contract

when the spread is not fair and squares off the positions when the spread corrects and

the contracts are traded at fair spread.

Selling a spread

Selling a spread is also an intra commodity spread strategy. It means selling a near

month contract and simultaneously buying a far month contract. This strategy is

adopted when the near month contract is overpriced or the far month contract is under

priced. A trader of the above strategy sells near the month contract and buys the far

month contract when the spread is not fair and squares off the positions when the

spread corrects and the contracts are traded at fair spread.


32/73


Clearing, Settlement and Delivery Mechanism

Clearing and Settlement procedure

Exchange to Regulate: The Exchange has specified the processes, procedures, and

operations that every Clearing member shall be required to follow for participation in the

clearing and settlement activities and operating their bank accounts with the Clearing

Banks appointed by the Exchange.

Functions of the Clearing Bank : The Exchange appoints few Clearing Banks viz. SBI,

HDFC Bank, Induslnd Bank, UTI Bank, Citibank, Union bank of India, Bank of India, and

Corporation Bank, ICICI etc. for transfer of funds between clearing members and the

Exchange.

Members to have accounts with the Clearing Bank: Every Member of theExchange shall have designated bank accounts with any of such branches of the

designated Clearing Bank, which has electronic funds transfer facility. Members shall

operate the Settlement account only for the purpose of settlement of deals entered

through the Exchange for the payment of margin money and for any other purpose as

may be specified by the Exchange. Every member of the Exchange is required to open

the following accounts with any of the clearing banks stated above:

Settlement Account or Clearing account- in which the member will not have

cheque book facility for issuing cheques to any outsiders. He can only issue

cheques from this account for transfer of money from this account to his Client

Account. Apart from any such transfer, only the Exchange will have the power

to withdraw money from this account by way of direct debit instructions. In

respect of all pay in, margins, charges and other dues payable to the Exchange,

the Exchange will send direct debit instructions to the bank advising them to

debit the settlement account of the respective member by such payable

amount.

Client Account- in which the member can deposit all cheques, cash, etc.

received from clients and from this account members can issue cheques to their

clients towards their receivables. The member has cheque book facility for this

account and he will also be entitled to issue transfer instructions to the bank for

transferring money from this account to the Settlement account to meet his pay


33/73


in or margin obligations.

The Clearing Banks act as per the instructi ons of the Exchange: Exchange shall

instruct the Clearing Banks as to the debits and credits to be carried out for settlement

of funds between members. For this purpose, members of the Exchange will be required

to submit a letter to the bank, as per the format given in the business rules for

authorizing the Exchange to issue such debit and credit instructions. The Clearing Bank

shall act as per the instructions received from the Exchange for the movement of funds.

Instructions of the Exchange as to the debits and credits to a member's account shall be

deemed to be irrevocable, confirmed and binding. In order to enable the Exchange to

issue such instructions for debiting their account and also to authorize the Exchange in

respect of freezing the account or to hold further debits, every member will be required

to submit a written undertaking addressed to the bank to such effect. This undertaking

will also authorize the bank to sweep the Client account of the respective member for

any shortfall in the settlement account. Besides, the Exchange will also have the power

to freeze various accounts of the member maintained with the Clearing bank, in case of

any default or shortfall in pay in or margin account.

Clearing Banks inform exchange in case of default in funds settlement:

If there is any funds default arising out of the instructions received from the Exchange,

the Clearing Bank shall inform the Exchange immediately.

Clearing Account(s) of Exchange in the Clearing Bank :

The Exchange maintains its Settlement account with the Clearing bank and all money

received from the members towards pay in or margin, shall be used appropriately for

settlement.

Operational Procedure:

The operational procedure related to the settlement account, pay in and payout activities

and theexact time schedule in order to maintain financial discipline shall be adhered to

by members of theExchange. The operational procedure, are:

After the end of the trading session every day, a file can be downloaded to the

TWS of the members through FTP (file transfer protocol), which will contain details


34/73


of all transactions executed by the member on that day, positions carried forward

from the previous day, closing position of the day including net obligation of the

member.

The net obligation report will further provide the amount of margin deposit,

margin utilized, available deposit / margin required, pay in / payout amount,

transaction fee payable / receivable, etc. The net obligation report is available and

can be downloaded terminal wise. It is also consolidated at the member's level in

terms of net obligation payable / receivable.

On the basis of this file, the Exchange will generate an automated statement for

debit and credit of settlement accounts of the respective members by the amount

payable / receivable by them. This file will be sent electronically to the bank the

next day in the morning at 9:00 AM.

The process of the files being processed by the bank is as follows:

The pay-in files are processed

Then the pay-out files are processed

The margin deficit files are then processed

Throughout the day, shortage files (information containing details of deficit

payment) are processed.

The member must have sufficient clear balance in his settlement account so as to affect

such debits. In case the amount of margin is payable, the member is not allowed to

trade until he deposits the required margin along with additional deposits to enable him

to create fresh positions. For collection of such required margin amount, the bank will

run the margin file at 10 am and report to the Exchange electronically the successful

debits. However, to pay an additional amount towards margin, the member has to send

a fax to Exchange specifying the amount he is interested in paying towards additional

deposit / margin. On the basis of this written request, the Exchange will forward

individual debit instructions to the bank for debiting the respective settlement account

and crediting the Exchange settlement account. As soon as the Exchange gets such

confirmation, the limits are accordingly increased.

Thereafter, at 10.30 am, the bank will run the debit files in respect of pay-in. The


35/73


member must have sufficient balance in his account to meet his pay in

obligation. By 10.45 am, the Exchange will receive confirmation about the

successful and failed instructions. In respect of failed instructions, the member is

immediately suspended from trading. He is allowed to trade only when he

deposits the pay in obligation.

In this process, trading permission is allowed to only those members who settle

their margin as well as pay in obligation before 11 am. In case a member fails to

meet the pay in obligation by 11 am on T +1, the Exchange may commence the

process of squaring off his positions after 11 am, depending on the magnitude of

the problem.

Role of clearing house

Regulation of the clearing house: The Exchange Clearing House monitors and

performs all activities related to delivery, funds settlement, margining, managing the

settlement guarantee fund, etc.

Functions of the Clearinghouse: The Clearing House will collect margins from the

members, effect pay in and payout and monitor delivery and settlement process. For

carrying out such activities, it may appoint various agencies as its agents and may

delegate such activities and responsibilities to such agencies, as it may desire.

Clearing House to deliver: The Clearing House will allocate deliveries, which it has

received from the selling member to the buyer and the same shall be binding on the

buyer.

Lien on Member's deposits and deliveries: When a member is declared a defaulter,

all deposits, margins, delivery documents and other assets of the defaulting memberlying with the Exchange shall be under lien and first charge of the Exchange,

irrespective of the fact whether such assets or deposits belong to the member or his

clients. No client or any other person can claim any charge or right on any such deposit,

margin or delivery documents under any circumstances.


36/73


Clearing Assistants for the Clearing House: In respect of delivery of precious

metals (gold and silver), a Clearing Member may nominate Clearing Assistants (not more

than two for each delivery center), who shall be competent to sign on behalf of such a

member all clearing forms, vouchers, claim notes, receipts and other documents and

transact on his behalf all such business as is necessary to be transacted in all matters

connected with the operations of the Clearing House. Each Clearing Assistant shall be

issued an Identity Card by the Exchange, which shall be displayed by him on his person

during his presence at the Clearing House premises. The member may apply for a

clearing assistant. A Clearing Member who has to give or take delivery of precious

metals or any other tender /delivery documents shall either be present personally in the

Clearing House or be represented by his Clearing Assistant at the appropriate time.

Clearing Code and Clearing Forms: A member shall be allotted a Clearing Code,

which must appear on all forms used by the member connected with the operations of

the Clearing House. The member or his Clearing Assistant shall sign all Clearing Forms.

Specimen Signatures:A member shall file with the Clearing House specimens of his

own signature and of the signatures of his Clearing Assistants.

Delivery and payment through Custodians and Clearing Members: The Clearing

House maintains a register of Custodians, Banks, Trust Companies and other firms

approved by the Executive Committee which may act for members and their

constituents in giving and taking delivery of precious metals.

Notices and Directions: All Clearing Members shall comply with the instructions,

resolutions, orders, notices, directions and decisions of the Executive Committee in all

matters connected with the operations of the Clearing House.

Liability of the Clearing House: The Clearing House shall not be deemed to

guarantee the title, ownership, genuineness, regularity or validity of any delivery passing

through the Clearing House and the only obligation of the Clearing House in this matter

shall be to facilitate the delivery and payment in respect of delivery.


37/73


Liability of the Exchange: No liability shall attach either to the Exchange, its officials,

or to the Executive Committee or any member of the Executive Committee by reason of

anything done or omitted to be done by the Clearing House in the course of its

operations, nor shall the Exchange, its officials, or the Executive Committee or any

member of the Executive Committee be liable to answer in any way for the title,

ownership, genuineness, quality, quantity or validity of any delivery or any other

documents passing through the Clearing House, nor shall any liability be attached to the

Exchange, its officials, the Executive Committee or any Member of the Executive

Committee in any way in respect of such delivery and any other documents.

False or misleading statements: The Exchange may fine, suspend or expel a

clearing member who makes any false or misleading statement in the Clearing Forms

required to be submitted in conformity with these Regulations or any resolutions, orders,

notices, directions and decisions of the Clearing House.


38/73


Delivery Procedure

Delivery Period:

Each Futures Contract for specified delivery month shall be deemed to have entered the

delivery period from such date of its expiry month, as specified by the Exchange in the

relevant contract. The futures contract can result in delivery of the underlying

commodity within this period on designated tender days fixed by the Exchange.

Provided that the Exchange will have the right to fix, alter, extend or postpone such

delivery period, if it is expedient to do so.

Designated Tender Days:

The tendering of deliveries shall be permitted only on specific tender days during the

delivery period. The Exchange notifies such tender days in advance.

Delivery Logic

Delivery logic refers to the type of choices available to the buyers and sellers having

open positions during tender / delivery period, for delivery of the commodity. The

different delivery option's are "seller's option", "both option" and "compulsory delivery"

Seller's option:

In the "seller's option", the seller having an open position of a contract during the

tender / delivery period will have the option to give delivery. In this case, it is obligatory

for the buyer, who has been marked, to accept delivery or pay penalty.

In a "seller's option", the short position holders who communicate their intention for

giving delivery are matched with the corresponding intentions of the long position

holders for taking delivery, Any short position holder having an "open position" on the

tender / delivery date shall have the option to tender for deliveryof his short position

and the long position holder will be obligated to accept delivery. If there are no

sufficient long position holders who have given their intention, then the delivery will be

marked on a random basis to open long position holders (buyers of the contract) and it

is obligatory for them to take delivery. In case the long position holders fails to lift the

delivery, penalty will be imposed for failure and the open position of the seller and the

buyer will be closed out at the due date rate.

Compulsory Delivery

In case of "compulsory delivery", both buyers and sellers with open positions during the


39/73


tender/delivery (T/P D/P) period, if marked for delivery, or upon the expiry of the

contract, are obligated to take / give delivery of the commodity.

Both Option

In the case of "both option", the delivery will be executed only when both buyers and

sellers agree to take / give delivery. If they do not give intention for delivery, such open

positions are cash settled at the due date rate.

Delivery Orders:

All deliveries tendered by Members on designated tender days shall be in the form of

"Delivery Orders" issued in favor of the buyers, as per instructions of Exchange. The

Delivery Orders shall be filled up in the prescribed form and shall clearly state the

contract particulars including quantity, quality and the delivery center, along with full

postal address of the place where goods are stored. The Delivery Orders must be

received by Exchange by 3 pm (or the time specified in the contract specification) on the

specified delivery days; otherwise it is treated as valid only for the subsequent delivery

day.

Each delivery order issued shall be in multiples of minimum deliverable lots and shall be

designated for only one delivery center and one location in such center. The tenderer of

delivery order shall also clearly disclose the identity of the Member/Registered Non-

Member, if any, who shall be performing the delivery. The seller shall not issue delivery

order at a place where there is a restriction against movement of goods from such place

by any person or Government authority or local authority at the time of issuing such

delivery order. The seller shall, at his cost, give permit to the buyer wherever such

permit is necessary for movement of goods. If the seller is unable to supply such permit

to the buyer, it will be treated as no delivery and he shall be liable to pay such penalty

as may be applicable for failure to tender delivery. Delivery Order once submitted cannot

be withdrawn or cancelled or changed, unless so agreed by the exchange in writing.

Delivery Lot:

The Contracts traded at Exchange are deliverable in such lots as may be specified for

respective commodities. Members with short open positions opting to tender deliveries

shall be permitted to issue Delivery Orders only in such lots. Any member with an open

position of such number of contracts that is not convertible into multiples of deliverable


40/73


lots shall be required to square-up such outstanding "odd lots" before expiry of the

contract so as to make the total deliverable quantity a deliverable lot. Incase any

member fails to square-up the outstanding odd lots before the contract expires resulting

in odd lot positions at the end of the contract expiry day, delivery up to the nearest

completed delivery lot will take place in the usual manner, while the residual odd lot will

be settled as specified in the contract specification.

Provided further that the place of delivery, which may be opted by the respective seller

and buyer above shall be permitted only at the delivery centers approved by the

Exchange for that commodity.

Permissible limits for the Delivered commodity

The delivery shall be deemed to have been provisionally completed for each delivery

order whenever the seller has delivered the quantity for that delivery order within the

tolerance limit as may be specified from time to time. The delivery is considered as fully

complete only after the buyer lifts delivery and confirms receipt of delivery with the

same quantity and quality. Provided that if no confirmation or objection is received from

the buyer within such time, as may be notified by the Exchange for a specific

commodity, delivery is considered as complete without any further recourse available to

the buyer.

Delivery Grades

Members tendering delivery will have the option of delivering such grades of

Commodities as permitted by Exchange. The buyer will not have any option to select a

particular grade and the delivery offered by the seller and allocated by the Exchange

shall be binding on him. The Member tendering delivery will clearly specify the grade to

be delivered in the Delivery Order. Once the delivery grade is specified, it cannot be

changed for the same Delivery Order. Such delivery grade shall be in conformity with

the surveyor's certificate accompanied by the tender document.

Delivery Centers:

Delivery centers shall be such centers as may be notified by the Exchange for respective

commodities. Members are obliged to tender delivery orders only at such centers as may

be required by the Exchange.

Freight Adjustment factor I Discount I Premium on up country delivery:

The Exchange notifies the Discount/Premium for delivery of Specified commodities at


41/73


various delivery centers.

Pricing of Delivery Orders

The basis price for a Delivery Order shall be the settlement price of the concerned

contract on the day (which shall be a designated tender day) on which the delivery is

tendered. The basis price arrived at as above will have to be adjusted by applying

Freight adjustment factor / Discount / Premium on up country delivery and the discount

/ premium in respect of quality.

Taxes, Duties, Cess and other Levies:

All taxes, duties, cess, or other levies shall be on account of the Member taking delivery

as a buyer. All sellers tendering goods shall have the necessary Sales Tax registration

and obtain other licenses, if any, required by them. In case the selling member does not

have a Sales Tax Registration number then he can appoint an Agent/Nominee who has

the required Sales Tax Registration and deliver the goods through him. The Member

giving delivery and the Member taking delivery will exchange appropriate tax forms as

provided in law and as customary, and neither of the parties will unreasonably refuse to

do so. In case any of the members or their clients fail to provide necessary forms in

respect of sales tax resulting into pecuniary loss to either of the party, the Exchange will

impose a charge on the party in default and after collection thereof, will pass on the

same to the member, who or whose client has suffered such loss. In addition to the

above, the Exchange can impose additional penalty on the party in default.

Allocation of Delivery Orders

Exchange shall allocate all Delivery Orders received on tender days/ expiry day from

Members holding short open positions to Members holding long open positions before 5

p.m. on the same day, when the tender document is received. The allocation of Delivery

Orders shall be done in a fair and equitable manner by Exchange. The decision of the

Exchange shall be final and binding.

Delivery Procedure:

The Member or his client or final endorsee in possession of a Delivery Order shall be

obliged to take delivery within such period, as may be specified by the Exchange for a

specific commodity. He is also entitled to lift delivery on various days during such

defined period, provided that on each day he has to lift at least 1/1Oth of his total

allocated delivery. In the event that the Member or his client in possession of a Delivery


42/73


Order is unable to lift the material within the prescribed days after the receipt of the

Delivery Order, the seller shall claim and receive compensation at such rate, as may be

decided by the Exchange for that specific commodity in respect of warehouse charges,

insurance charges, etc. In the same manner if the seller fails to give delivery on the

scheduled date or if the seller's representatives are not available to affect delivery, the

buyer shall claim and receive compensation at such rate, as may be specified by the

Exchange for that specific commodity. The Buyer has to intimate to the seller the

schedule for taking delivery of the tendered goods in advance, with a copy to the

Exchange. The Seller has to confirm and intimate in writing to the buyer with a copy to

Exchange in advance about his confirmation to deliver as scheduled or change in the

delivery schedule.

Brokerage:

The Exchange may specify the maximum and minimum brokerage rates, which shall be

adhered to by members of the Exchange while dealing with their clients. Such brokerage

rates may be in terms of commodity specific absolute figure or in terms of percentage

on the value of a contract irrespective of the class of a commodity. Such brokerage

amount must be shown separately in the contract notes to be issued by the members to

their clients. The maximum brokerage rate for the time being is 1 % in case of non-

delivery transactions and 2% (plus expenses incurred for delivery, etc.) in case of

transactions resulting into delivery.


43/73


Regulatory Framework

Forward Contracts Regulation Act, 1952

The Constitution of India brought the subject of STOCK EXCHANGES AND FUTURES

MARKET in Union list. As a result, the responsibility for regulation of commodity futures

markets devolved on Government of India. The Commodity Exchanges in India are

governed and regulated under the Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1952 and Rules

framed there under.

It provides for a 3 tier regulatory system, namely:

. An association recognized by the Government of India on recommendation of Forward

Markets Commission (FMC)

. The Forward Markets Commission (it was set up in Sept 1953) and

. The Central GovernmentForward Markets Commission

The Forward Markets Commission, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and

Public Distribution, Government of India is the regulating authority for all Commodity

Futures Exchanges in India.

Functions ofthe Forward Markets Commission - Statutory

(a) To advise the Central Government in respect of the recognition of or the withdrawal

of recognition from any association or in respect of any other matter arising out of the

administration of this Act;

(b) To keep forward markets under observation and to take such action in relation to

them as it may consider necessary, in exercise of the powers assigned to it by or under

this Act;

(c) To collect and whenever the Commission thinks it necessary, publish information

regarding the trading conditions in respect of goods to which any of the provisions of

this Act is made applicable, including information regarding supply, demand and prices

and to submit to the Central Government periodical reports on the operation of this Act

and on the working of forward markets relating to such goods;

(d) To make recommendations generally with a view to improving the organization and

working of forward markets;

(e) To undertake the inspection of accounts and other documents of any recognized

association or registered association or any member of such association whenever it


44/73


considers it necessary; and

(f)To perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as may be assigned to

the Commission by or under this Act, or as may be prescribed. Principal Features of the

FC(R) Act, 1952 are:

The act enables the regulating authority to take such action as may be considered

desirable in respect of specified commodities and specified area without

automatically applying the entire provisions of the act to all commodities in all

areas in sec 15

The act prohibits option trading in all commodities

The act ordinarily exempted non transferable specific delivery contracts from

regulation sec 18(1)

The act ordinarily covers transferable specific delivery contract as well as hedge

contracts

The act empowers the Government to prohibit forward contracts in particular

commodity by a notification sec 17

The act provides for grant of recognition to associations concerned with forward

trading sec 6

The act provides that the regulation of forward markets should ordinarily take place

through the governing bodies of recognized associations sec 11

The act empowers the Central Government to appoint not more than four members

on the governing bodies of recognized associations sec 6(2b)

It provides for a machinery for the supervision and regulation of the governing

bodies from the point of public interest this machinery is the forward markets

commission


45/73


Commodity Futures Market: The economic perspective

Authentic price discovery and an efficient price risk management are the primary

objectives for any futures exchange. The beneficiaries include not only those who trade

in the commodities being offered in the exchange but also those who have nothing to do

with futures trading. It is due to the price discovery and risk management through the

existence of the futures exchanges that a lot of businesses and services are able to

function smoothly.

Economic Benefits of Commodity Futures Markets

1) Price Discovery: The buyers and sellers at the futures exchange conduct trading

based on their assessment of inputs regarding specific market information, expert views

and comments, the demand and supply equilibrium, government policies, inflation rates,weather forecasts, market dynamics, hopes and fears which transforms into a

continuous price discovery mechanism. The execution of trades between buyers and

sellers leads to assessment of the fair value of a particular commodity that is

immediately disseminated on the trading terminal.

Futures exchanges do not act as a mode for setting the prices of commodities. These

are free markets that act as a platform to bring together, in open auction, all forces that

influence the pricing of the commodity. When these markets keep on assimilating and

absorbing new information on a continuous basis throughout the trading day, this

information gets transformed into a single benchmark figure. This figure is the market

price agreed upon by both the buyer and seller. It is for this reason that rational market

participants and commodity traders view futures as a leading price indicator.

2) Price-Risk Management: Hedging is the most common method of price risk

management. It is the strategy of offsetting price risk that is inherent in a spot market

by taking an equal but opposite position in the futures market. Futures markets are used

as a mode by hedgers to protect their businesses from adverse price changes, which

could dent the profitability of their business. Hedging benefits participants who

bhas commodities

Documents