No wonder, thanks. I should have been able to figure that out on kiwi's pic. They shift each month then?
If you want HSI data ... with a few foibles in my collection ... back to 04 ... here it is. http://download.yousendit.com/F834FD6B02E9F740 Note that some of the earlier contracts are splices of multiple contracts (rolled with no price adjustment).
Margin Requirements, HSI $60275 HKD Mini-HSI $12055 HKD HHI $46670 HKD Mini only have 20% volume of the HSI, go with the standard one.. Bid ask spread is around 2~3 points. I wouldn't start worrying unless my size is 20+
I think its easier to trade the HSI outright now that volatility has come down a bit (haven't seen too many 100pt+ moves intraday lately). Its harder to scale in and out when you get a surprise move like that when you're playing with size; thats why something like the MHI would be perfect. I've been having an easier time swing trading the HSI lately for precisely this reason. Its a lot of leverage to throw around.
I agree that we are not seeing mudslice as often as, let's say 2 months before. Are you seeing intraday ranges under 200 pts, and that's a dull market (from my experience).
By the way, just looked at this message ... not a bad call on my part. on the 19th, HSI peaked 19180. Jan 3rd was 20554. Almost 1400 pts. Likewise the H-shares HHI.HK had a similar move, but double percentage wise as portion of the index. I expect a little more consolidation period; and another leg up off to the races coming in the next few weeks... 3 month target: 21500-22000 on HSI. Then a big macro event for a giant correction down to 18k.
If you're trading a foreign-denominated futures contract (HSI for ex.) through IB with a USD account, are the fx conversions for commissions handled in Ideal at the time of trade? Or do you need to have converted currency prior to placing a trade? Same question for margin, will you need the full margin amount in converted currency? Or is holding the USD equivalent of the margin requirement sufficient?