Hi Kiwi_trader, I thought it was a rhetorical question. Anyway, I'd like to trade liquid non-us based contracts because the US counterparts sets the general market tone and I feel we can trade the excesses- or beta or whatever you want to call it of the non-US. More importantly (to me), since I live in the bright and sunny california-region, I can wake up relaxed and trade the aussie bonds at 2 pm PST after much of the random shocks have been digested by the US folks (generally between 4am-8am).
FYI, Korea is closed today for a holiday (election day). Aussie bonds: the variable tick size requires some programming. I can't say when we'll offer them. NZ: no plans right now.
I just opened the account with IB and I am from HK, i just found out i couldnt trade forex on IDEALPRO. So i guess my pain is pretty much as big as you guys. I am missing the biggest market in the world (currencies).
HK is one of the only regimes where FX is regulated. We're in the process of applying for a license. You're not missing the biggest market in the world though. The CME offers FX futures which many consider a better deal.