Skip to content
SuperMoney logo
SuperMoney logo

Cantor Futures Exchange: Definition, Trading Process, and Market Dynamics

Last updated 03/15/2024 by

Alessandra Nicole

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
The CX Futures Exchange, formerly known as the Cantor Futures Exchange, facilitates real-money trading in various derivative products, including foreign exchange, tropical storms, metals, and weather-related instruments. Traders can speculate on weather events such as precipitation levels, temperature fluctuations, and hurricane landfalls. Originally focusing on movie futures, regulatory changes prompted its transition to offering a broader range of financial products. Weather derivatives help businesses and individuals hedge against weather-related risks by providing financial protection against adverse weather conditions.

What is the cantor futures exchange (CX futures exchange)?

The CX Futures Exchange, previously named the Cantor Futures Exchange, operates as a regulated exchange overseen by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). It comprises three brands: Cantor Exchange, CX, and CX Markets, offering derivative instruments for trading. Among its product offerings are foreign exchange (Forex), tropical storms, various weather patterns, and metals.

Trading on CX futures exchange

The CX Futures Exchange provides traders with the opportunity to engage in real-money trading on a diverse range of derivative products. Through its platform, traders can speculate on weather-related events, including tropical storms, precipitation levels (such as rain and snow), temperature fluctuations, and hurricane landfalls.

How trading works

Traders on the CX Futures Exchange select specific markets to trade in, such as rain, snow, hurricane landfalls, or temperatures, and make predictions regarding weather conditions on particular dates within those markets. Payouts are determined based on the accuracy of these predictions and the amount invested by traders.

Evolution from cantor exchange to CX futures exchange

Originally, the Cantor Futures Exchange focused on movie futures, allowing investors to speculate on the financial success of upcoming movie releases. However, regulatory changes, particularly the Dodd-Frank Act, led to the prohibition of movie futures trading. Consequently, the exchange rebranded as the CX Futures Exchange, expanding its product offerings to include a broader range of financial instruments, such as weather derivatives.

History of the CX futures exchange

Established in 2010, the CX Futures Exchange, initially known as the Cantor Futures Exchange, gained approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission to operate as an electronic marketplace for trading domestic box office receipt contracts, also referred to as DBOR contracts or movie futures. These contracts enabled investors to speculate on the financial performance of upcoming movie releases.

Regulatory challenges and transition

Despite receiving approval, the concept of DBOR contracts faced opposition from major industry groups, citing concerns about market manipulation and conflicts of interest. Subsequently, the Dodd-Frank Act banned movie futures trading, prompting the transition of the exchange to focus on offering weather derivatives and other financial products.

Where can weather derivatives be traded?

In addition to the CX Futures Exchange, weather derivatives, including those related to tropical storms, precipitation, and temperature fluctuations, can be traded on various exchanges. One notable exchange is the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), which offers weather futures and options covering a range of cities in the U.S. and Europe, providing hedging opportunities for weather-related risks.

What are weather derivatives?

Weather derivatives are financial instruments used for hedging against weather-related risks. Companies and individuals trade these derivatives to mitigate potential losses resulting from adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes, snowstorms, or droughts. By entering into weather derivative contracts, parties can offset the financial impact of unpredictable weather patterns on their operations or investments.
WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS
Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
  • Provides a platform for trading weather derivatives, offering opportunities for speculation and hedging.
  • Enables traders to diversify their investment portfolios by accessing unique financial instruments.
  • Helps businesses and individuals mitigate weather-related risks by providing a mechanism for financial protection.
Cons
  • Market volatility and unpredictability can result in potential losses for traders.
  • Requires a thorough understanding of weather patterns and their potential impact on financial markets.
  • Regulatory changes and restrictions may affect the availability and trading of weather derivatives.

Frequently asked questions

What types of weather derivatives are available for trading on the CX Futures Exchange?

Weather derivatives available for trading on the CX Futures Exchange include those related to tropical storms, precipitation (rain and snow), and temperature fluctuations.

How do payouts for weather-related products on the CX Futures Exchange work?

Payouts for weather-related products on the CX Futures Exchange depend on the number of contracts purchased by traders and the accuracy of their predictions. Traders receive proportional payouts based on their investment and the outcome of weather events.

What led to the transition from movie futures to weather derivatives on the CX Futures Exchange?

The transition from movie futures to weather derivatives on the CX Futures Exchange was primarily driven by regulatory changes, particularly the ban on movie futures trading imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act. This transition allowed the exchange to offer a broader range of financial products, catering to the demand for innovative trading instruments.

Can weather derivatives be traded on other exchanges?

Yes, apart from the CX Futures Exchange, weather derivatives can also be traded on exchanges like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), which offers weather futures and options covering various cities in the U.S. and Europe.

Key takeaways

  • The CX Futures Exchange, formerly known as the Cantor Futures Exchange, facilitates trading in various derivative products, including foreign exchange, tropical storms, metals, and weather-related instruments.
  • Traders can speculate on weather events such as precipitation levels, temperature fluctuations, and hurricane landfalls, with payouts determined by the accuracy of their predictions.
  • Regulatory changes, particularly the Dodd-Frank Act, prompted the transition of the exchange from focusing on movie futures to offering weather derivatives and other financial products.
  • Weather derivatives provide businesses and individuals with a mechanism to hedge against weather-related risks, mitigating potential losses resulting from adverse weather conditions.
  • Weather derivatives can be traded on various exchanges, including the CX Futures Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), offering opportunities for speculation and hedging.

Share this post:

You might also like