LIFFE to shake up commodity operations

22 April 1999

LIFFE to shake up commodity operations

THE London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE) is laying plans for a wholesale revamp of its commodities business.

It is to carry out an evaluation of electronic trading and review its product offerings in a strategic re-think which already includes the creation of a separate commodities division.

Arabica coffee futures and options are possible new product offerings.

The exchange currently trades in futures and options in robusta coffee, cocoa, white sugar, wheat, barley, potatoes and dry bulk cargo.

The organisation is also looking at how its LIFFE Connect system of electronic trading, currently used for financial derivatives, can be adapted for commodities.

White sugar futures and options are said to be the first products that will make the transition.

• Financial Times 22/04/99 page 34