The Kansas City Board of Trade has changed the minimum margin for new crop months (July 2008 forward) of the hard red winter wheat futures contract to the same level as old crop contract months. The change was made in response to increased volatility in the new crop months.
For the July 2008 contract forward, minimum margins were changed from $1,875 initial speculative and $1,500 for speculative maintenance, hedge, omnibus account and member for own account.
The changes go into effect at the close of business today. They are as follows:
All Contract Months | Initial | Maintenance | ||
Margin | Margin | |||
Speculative | $3750 | $3000 | ||
Hedge | $3000 | $3000 | ||
Omnibus Account | $3000 | $3000 | ||
Member For Own Account | $3000 | $3000 |