I don't think those are tradeable via IB. If you load the symbol (GB) hit enter and choose bonds, if you look under the tradeable column in the contract selection window, it says "no" - at least it does for my setup. If you hover over the red info dot, the reason provided is "Transfers Limited: European Union Related Contract Redeemed Bond". I'll check why that restriction is in place with our bond team and why it prevents us from offering to clients.
@def thank you. Several of them are tradable. If I click the lower left hand toggle for Tradable, they show up. If I also put in an order entry and click Check Margin I get no restrictions. As said the issue is that no yield calculation is performed like for other bonds like US inflation linkers. Linkers should become interesting going forward.
I'm up to speed now. The electronic exchange that we are connected to that supports gilts through doesn't support the inflation linked bonds so we do not have an electronic destination for them. However, we are working on that and hope to have live markets, data, and execution soon. However, in the interim, clients who want to trade over $100K or more can reach out to bonddesk@ibkr. com during US hours.
@def thanks for the reply and information. What is the electronic exchange you are connected to? Is that Tradeweb?
@def any update on the conventional and inflation linked Gilts? I know see conventional Gilts are put on trading restriction due to "clearing-related" issues. I don't see any announcement about it though.
I'll have to get back to you on that as all I heard is we aer trying to add more. For Aus though, the fractional size is an issue that requires coding and with very low volume and demand it looks like it will be put on the backburner. I'll aim to get info on gilts ASAP though
update: several liquidity providers have expressed interest along with research into other platforms but nothing has been solidified yet. In the meantime, for size over 100K, you can reach out to our trading desk at bonddesk @ ibkr com