The Derivative

Podshops, Prices, and Physical Flows: A Commodity Trading Framework with Stephane Bernhard of CAM/ETG

Apr 24, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Stephane Bernhard, CEO/CIO of CAM Multi-Strat Asset Management, shares insights from his 30+ years in commodity trading. He discusses the evolution of commodity trading and the importance of risk management, revealing why traditional VAR methods fall short. Stephane highlights his firm’s unique approach to merging physical and financial strategies in trading while tracing historical parallels in the market. Personal anecdotes from his experiences add depth to the discussion, making this a must-listen for trading enthusiasts!
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INSIGHT

Commodity Firms Bridging Time Risk

  • Commodity trading firms act as a time bridge between producers and industrial users.
  • They absorb risks of price, finance, and logistics to ensure commodity supply continuity.
INSIGHT

Weather Volatility Varies by Region

  • Weather volatility has increased dramatically within the tropics affecting soft commodities.
  • Outside the tropics, weather variability has decreased, stabilizing grain and seed production.
ANECDOTE

Physical Market Info Edge Anecdote

  • A talented grain trader uses real-time physical market info unavailable to big pods.
  • Physical pressure triggered a sell-off, illustrating physical flows' impact on derivative prices.
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