Senator's leak sparks commodities debate (News Story)
August 21, 2011
A US senator's public release of confidential data on energy traders has sparked debate over how much should be disclosed about commodity markets, where positions are usually a closely guarded secret. Last week Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, leaked and later posted on his website lists of trading positions in oil, natural gas and other commodity markets as part of a campaign to force a clampdown on commodity speculation.
While barred from publicly naming traders, the CFTC is required to provide confidential information to Congress. People familiar with the matter said Mr Sanders's office obtained the confidential information after it was turned over to a committee in the US House of Representatives. The CFTC declined to comment. "Instances like these raise market participants' concerns over the government's ability to maintain strict confidentiality of regulatory information and customer trading information," said CME Group, the exchange operator
Cross References: CEA Sec. 8