The Argus approach to methodology
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Overview
Our methodologies are developed in partnership with the markets we cover.
Argus price assessments are the published value of a commodity, free from distortion and representative of spot market values. But the price is just the tip of the iceberg.
The unique price assessments that our clients benefit from are founded upon proven methods. Our methodologies for price discovery are transparent and firmly based on rigorous market-appropriate processes. This level of precision and objectivity enables you to make informed decisions at the right time.
Argus price assessments are the published value of a commodity, free from distortion and representative of spot market values. But the price is just the tip of the iceberg.
The unique price assessments that our clients benefit from are founded upon proven methods. Our methodologies for price discovery are transparent and firmly based on rigorous market-appropriate processes. This level of precision and objectivity enables you to make informed decisions at the right time.
The advantage
Our people
Our dedicated team of industry professionals are close to local markets, so you benefit not only from precise pricing data but the breadth of market intelligence at their fingertips. Data alone – no matter how accurate – is not sufficient.
Methodologies
The unique market insights we deliver are founded on a deep understanding of market mechanisms. Our methodologies for price discovery are transparent and firmly based on rigorous processes and specifications developed in consultation with market participants.
Heritage
For over 50 years, clients have benefited from the precise market intelligence delivered by experts working collaboratively across the global commodity markets.
How does Argus approach pricing commodities?
We use a market-appropriate methodology to assess prices in each market we cover.
Each methodology is reviewed regularly to ensure that it meets the needs of market participants and is in line with industry practice. We seek to report on markets as they are traded, rather than impose any one view on the markets — including our own.
Every methodology has two things;
Specification: every commodity market can be defined by its composition, location, timing and mode of trade, the “what, where, when and how” questions common to good reporting. Argus price assessments are similarly defined so readers know the product for which a price is assessed.
Aggregation: markets are dynamic, but published prices are fixed, so Argus explains how the information gathered by its reporters and analysts comes together to form the final, published price, whether a volume-weighted average, the range of prices over the trading day or the price at a moment in time.
Each methodology is reviewed regularly to ensure that it meets the needs of market participants and is in line with industry practice. We seek to report on markets as they are traded, rather than impose any one view on the markets — including our own.
Every methodology has two things;
Specification: every commodity market can be defined by its composition, location, timing and mode of trade, the “what, where, when and how” questions common to good reporting. Argus price assessments are similarly defined so readers know the product for which a price is assessed.
Aggregation: markets are dynamic, but published prices are fixed, so Argus explains how the information gathered by its reporters and analysts comes together to form the final, published price, whether a volume-weighted average, the range of prices over the trading day or the price at a moment in time.
Learn more
Browse our full methodology listings
We are committed to providing full transparency into the methods we employ so detailed specification guides are available for every price reporting product we offer.