Encyclopedia

Commodity trading operates within a dense framework of specialised terminology — from the contractual mechanics of physical delivery to the financial instruments used for hedging and speculation. For institutional participants and observers alike, precision in language is essential. A misunderstood Incoterm, an imprecise grasp of contango versus backwardation, or a loose reading of force majeure provisions can carry material consequences.

Our encyclopedia provides authoritative definitions and contextual explanations for the terms, instruments, benchmarks, and regulatory concepts that define the Swiss commodity trading landscape. Entries cover the full spectrum of the industry: physical trading terminology such as FOB, CIF, and delivered-at-place; financial instruments including futures, options, swaps, and structured commodity notes; benchmark pricing references from Platts, Argus, and the London Metal Exchange; and the regulatory vocabulary of Swiss and international compliance frameworks.

Each entry is written for an audience that demands both accuracy and context. Where a term carries specific meaning under Swiss law or FINMA guidance, we note the distinction from broader international usage. Where industry practice diverges from textbook definitions — as it frequently does in over-the-counter commodity markets — we address that divergence directly. The encyclopedia is designed as a working reference for analysts, compliance professionals, trade finance officers, and anyone engaged with Switzerland’s commodity trading ecosystem at an institutional level.