In today's changing political and economic environment, it is increasingly important that companies learn to properly use the various trading instruments to protect themselves against price volatility. In this 2nd edition of their best-selling primer, authors Errera and Brown explain how exchange traded futures and options markets work, and how companies can successfully use the markets in their overall strategy to increase profitability. They cover everything from market mechanics, hedging, spread trading, and technical trading to history and growth of the markets. Also included is an extensive appendix detailing contract specification for 13 energy futures/ options contracts. Contents: Futures and options contracts and markets Market mechanics Behavior of commodity futures prices Speculation and spread trading Hedging Introduction to options on futures Energy options strategies Technical factors Histroy and growth Economic implications of energy futures and options Appendices (contract specifications) Glossary Index.