How financial investment distorts food prices: Evidence from US grain markets

Main author: van Huellen, Sophie
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-24789
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
English
English
language_search English
English
English
description Convergence between commodity futures prices and the underlying physical assets at each contract’s expiration date is a pivotal condition for the market’s functioning. Between 2005 and 2010, convergence failed for several U.S. grain markets. This article presents a price pressure-augmented commodity storage model that links the scale of nonconvergence to financial investment channeled through indices, which are traded in commodity futures markets. The model is empirically tested, using Markov regime-switching regression analysis. Regression results strongly support the model’s predicted link between index investment and the extent of nonconvergence for three grains traded at the Chicago Board of Trade: wheat, corn, and soybeans. JEL classifications: G13, G14, Q14, Q18
format Journal Article
author van Huellen, Sophie
author_facet van Huellen, Sophie
authorStr van Huellen, Sophie
author_letter van Huellen, Sophie
title How financial investment distorts food prices: Evidence from US grain markets
publisher Wiley
publishDate 2018
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/24789/