I use my normal futures brokers (UBS, Man). I also use my IB account to trade the Osaka Nikkei contract. Any good global futures broker should have access to both exchanges, but IB only trade the electronic one (Simex is pit-traded). I like the Simex contract because it trades wider hours (I'm based in the UK, and Simex trades up until 12pm my time, so I don't have to stay awake till 7am to react to the closing price in Tokyo!). You might want to try Refco - I am thinking of opening an account with them, they have a good front-end, cover loads of markets, and have reasonable commissions. I believe waggie has an account and is very happy with them.
It looks like Osaka N225 is on IB's "can't trade" list for U.S. residents which includes: German Securities Options Hang Seng Index Options H-share Futures Mini-Hang Seng Index Futures Nikkei 225 Options (non cme) Topix Options UK Securities Options UK SSFs
Should have bounced more. By no means clear, N225 out of the woods. Probably China rate rise remains a brake. Closed NKD on the open earlier. Geo.
does anyone trade the Nikkei 225 Simex options? I trade the futures but was wondering what the liquity is like? It looks like anything otm is dead. Thanx shivastar
an alternative trading vehicle for Japanese exposure is the stock EWJ (Ishare MSCI Japan). it's pretty much an overnight bet, just like the Nikkei at the CME. it's pretty liquid. bought some yesterday, and flipped it today for a 1+% scalp.