Two news reports indicate the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is about to approve the launch of MDEX, a designated contract market for trading movie box office futures from Trend Exchange (TrendEx). Approval of specific futures contracts for actual trading would be the next step. MDEX is geared to institutional investors.
The Cantor Exchange, offering movie box office futures geared to individual and other investors, awaits its approval expected later this month. The major Hollywood movie studios and allies in the entertainemnt community have made a last minute push to derail box office futures. Here are the two latest reports and a link to Jabcat’s Box Office Futures page which has links to key documents in the regualtory approval process and news reports about Cantor Exchange and Trend Exchange.
‘Iron Man’ Bets Loom as CFTC Staff Backs Film Futures (Business Week-4.14.10)
Key Approval Appears Likely for Movie Futures Trading (The Wrap-4.14.10)
Jabcat’s Box Office Futures Page
