Millennium lands natural gas trader ahead of Point72

Millennium Management has reportedly acquired natural gas trader Ryan Sheffler from Castleton Commodities International, according to industry reports. This move highlights the intense competition among multi-strategy hedge funds in building robust commodities trading teams, With Intelligence notes. Sheffler was previously rumored to be joining Point72, a firm led by Steve Cohen, who had been expanding into commodities investing earlier this year.

However, it is now understood that Sheffler will be joining Millennium instead. Neither Millennium nor Sheffler have publicly commented on the deal, while Point72 declined to comment. The addition strengthens Millennium’s commodities portfolio. Earlier this year, Millennium also hired former Castleton natural gas trader Fernando Ortiz, further bolstering its energy trading capabilities.

The hiring follows a trend of top hedge funds investing heavily in commodities teams after years of increased volatility in energy, metals, and agricultural markets. There is a growing demand for experienced traders, particularly those with expertise in natural gas and power markets.