News & Publications

Advance Trading, Inc. is pleased to announce Dr. Cesar Cruz, Jr. as the new Director of Research.  Dr. Cruz will be responsible for the operational direction of all research activities for ATI. 

Cruz has spent the past 15 years working in the university setting as an Economics Professor, Research Scholar, and University Consultant. His role as University Consultant involved working closely with agricultural producers.  During his tenure as a professor, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in fundamental subjects associated with Risk Management at the Federal University of Sao Carlos.  In 2016 and 2017, Cruz was a visiting professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he taught Commodity Futures and Options to undergraduate students. 

Cruz earned his PhD in Applied Economics from the University of Sao Paulo, a Master of Science degree in Applied Economics and Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Federal University of Vicosa.  

“We are extremely excited to have Dr. Cruz join us,” said Lee Blank, Chief Executive Officer of Advance Trading, Inc. “Cesar brings a wealth of knowledge in commodities research and commodity risk management. His vast experience in the global markets will be highly beneficial for both ATI and our clients.”

Advance Trading, Inc. (ATI) is a forward thinking, non-proprietary commodity brokerage firm providing risk management and market guidance to grain producers, commercial elevators, and end users including energy producers and livestock feeders. ATI's client base spans the entire globe, with businesses throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Our highly skilled team delivers individualized strategies, sound advice, and solid recommendations based on extensive research and market analysis, giving our clients a competitive edge in today's complex marketplace. Advance Trading, Inc. (ATI) is headquartered in Bloomington, IL.