Editorial comment and invitation for articles

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1994
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 73 KB
• Volume: 14
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0270-7314
• DOI: 10.1002/fut.3990140102

✦ Synopsis

A recently completed review by the Editor suggests that many of the submissions to The Journal of Futures Markets are on narrow topics which neither reflect the breadth of interests of the readers of the Journal nor address the most important problems facing the futures and derivatives industry. Perhaps some authors have interpreted the historical record of published articles as implying that the Journal is interested only in such narrowly focused topics. This comment is intended to encourage submissions on a broader range of topics.

The work done by some of the pioneers in futures research, like Holbrook Working, Roger Gray, Tom Hieronymus, Allen Paul, and Henry Bakken, was based on an in-depth understanding of economic institutions (sometimes using case studies), an appreciation of the major problems facing the industry, and a careful analysis of relevant data. Their work provided a rich literature that found its way into classroom lectures, agricultural extension efforts and public policy debates.

Today, similar efforts are needed to address a broad range of issues related to finance, law, accounting, exchange management, and regulation in futures (and related derivative) markets. These markets are increasingly international and growing steadily more complex. Deeper insights are needed into the structure, conduct, and performance of the industry; the purpose, relevance, costs, and benefits of the regulatory structures; the implications of legal decisions and tax and accounting rules on market efficiency, market usage, and risk management; the internationalization of futures and derivatives products; and many other issues.