Serena Caldwell
Serena Caldwell writes for Futra Digest and other Independent Journal publications, covering stocks and equity markets and futures, options and derivatives. Reporting under this byline is prepared by the Independent Journal editorial desk from primary sources, with AI assistance, and reviewed under our editorial policy.
7 articles
Margin and Leverage in Futures Trading, Explained
Margin and leverage in futures trading explained: initial and maintenance margin, daily mark-to-market, margin calls, and why losses can exceed your deposit.
How Commodity Prices Are Set: Supply, Demand and Futures
How commodity prices are set: the roles of supply, demand, inventories, spot and futures markets, benchmark grades, risk premiums and government data.
Power demand: EV electricity use growth slows to 8% in 1H 2026
EIA estimates US electric vehicles used nearly 14 billion kWh in the first half of 2026, up 8% from late 2025 as new EV sales fell 19% after tax credits ended.
Contango and Backwardation Explained for Futures Traders
Contango and backwardation describe the shape of the futures curve. Learn what causes each, how roll yield works, and why it matters for commodity funds.
How Futures Contracts Work: A Plain-English Guide
A plain-English guide to how futures contracts work: standardized terms, clearinghouses, daily settlement, delivery versus offset, and who trades them.
EIA August outlook: commodity prices path for Brent and gas
EIA's August 2026 outlook saw Brent averaging $87 a barrel in 2026 and $69 in 2027, with U.S. gas storage set for its highest pre-winter level since 2016.
CME news: April 2026 ADV reaches 25.9 million contracts
CME Group reported April 2026 average daily volume of 25.9 million contracts, with growth in micro crude and metals futures and a record in KC HRW wheat.