Sources & Research Methodology
Zug Trading relies exclusively on authoritative, verifiable sources for all editorial content. Our primary sources include official Swiss government publications and regulatory guidance (FINMA, SECO, the Federal Council); company annual reports, earnings releases, and public filings; cantonal economic data published by the Canton of Zug Economic Promotion office; the Zug Commodity Association (ZCA) membership data and publications; SUISSENÉGOCE industry reports; academic research from Swiss universities including the University of Bern Centre for Development and Environment, HSLU Lucerne, and the University of St. Gallen; and institutional research from organizations such as PwC, Deloitte, McKinsey, the IMF, World Bank, OECD, and the Bank for International Settlements.
Secondary sources include recognized business media such as Bloomberg, Reuters, the Financial Times, and SWI swissinfo.ch. We also reference specialist commodity media and industry data providers. All sources are cited or linked within the editorial content to enable reader verification.
Fact-Checking Process
Every factual claim published on Zug Trading undergoes multi-source verification. Our fact-checking process requires that quantitative claims (revenue figures, market share percentages, employee counts, commodity price data) are verified against the primary source document — typically company annual reports, Swiss government publications, or recognized institutional data providers. Where a claim can only be sourced from a single provider, we note this limitation explicitly. We do not extrapolate data points beyond their original scope or present estimates as confirmed figures without qualification.
For regulatory and legal content, all analysis is reviewed against the primary legal text — Swiss federal statutes, cantonal ordinances, or regulatory circulars. We do not rely on media summaries of legal developments; we reference the original text. Where our interpretation of legal provisions could be contested, we present the relevant provisions directly and note the interpretive uncertainty.
Update Frequency & Currency
Pillar articles and sector analyses are reviewed quarterly to ensure continued accuracy. Data points — including commodity market statistics, company financial figures, tax rates, and regulatory provisions — are updated as new official reports are published. All articles carry a "Last Updated" date. Where significant developments have occurred since the last update, we note this in the article header.
Intelligence briefings are published on a rolling basis as developments warrant. We do not publish on a fixed schedule that might incentivize the coverage of non-events. Our editorial calendar is driven by substance, not cadence.
Correction Policy
Zug Trading is committed to accuracy. When errors are identified — whether by our editorial team, our readers, or the subjects of our coverage — we correct them promptly and transparently. Corrections are noted at the top of the affected article with a dated correction note that describes the original error and the correction made. We do not silently edit published content. If a correction is substantive (i.e., it changes the meaning or conclusion of the analysis), we note this prominently.
To report an error, contact us at editorial@zugtrading.com. We review all correction requests within 48 hours.
Editorial Independence
Zug Trading maintains absolute editorial independence from all commercial interests. No advertiser, sponsor, commercial partner, commodity trading company, government entity, or industry association has any influence over our editorial decisions, content strategy, or analytical conclusions. We do not accept payment for coverage, and we will never modify our analysis to suit the preferences of any external party.
Where we reference products, services, companies, or jurisdictions, our commentary is based solely on editorial analysis of publicly available information. Any commercial relationships — including advertising, affiliate partnerships, or sponsored content placements — are disclosed clearly and do not influence editorial content.
Data Standards & Statistical Accuracy
We report commodity market data, financial figures, and economic statistics with precision and appropriate context. All numbers are attributed to their source. Where different authoritative sources provide conflicting figures (which is common in commodity market share estimates), we note the range and the methodological differences. We distinguish between verified data and estimates, between audited and unaudited figures, and between current and projected values. Currency conversions are noted with the date and rate used.
Content Review Process
All editorial content undergoes a multi-stage review process: initial research and drafting; fact-checking against primary sources; editorial review for analytical rigor, clarity, and balance; final proofreading; and post-publication monitoring. Long-form pillar articles receive an additional review by a subject-matter specialist with direct professional experience in the relevant sector.
Disclosure & Conflicts of Interest
Any material relationship between Zug Trading, its editorial team, or its parent organization and the subjects of our coverage is disclosed within the relevant article. This includes ownership interests, consulting relationships, advertising arrangements, and personal connections. Where no conflict exists, no disclosure is necessary — but we err on the side of transparency. If you believe we have failed to disclose a material relationship, please contact editorial@zugtrading.com.
Author Qualifications
All Zug Trading editorial content is produced by professionals with direct, demonstrable expertise in the subject they cover. Commodity trading and market analysis content is produced by writers with professional experience in physical commodity trading, energy markets, or metals and mining. Trade finance content is produced by writers with banking, structured finance, or commodity lending experience. Regulatory content is produced by writers with legal or compliance backgrounds. We believe that credible analysis requires genuine subject-matter expertise — not the ability to summarize other people's reporting.
Reader Feedback & Corrections
We welcome feedback from our readers, including factual corrections, analytical challenges, and suggestions for coverage. Contact us at editorial@zugtrading.com. All substantive feedback is reviewed by our editorial team and informs our ongoing coverage.