Question about spread on futures options (ES vs NQ)

Discussion in 'Index Futures' started by nooby_mcnoob, Dec 30, 2019.

  1. First of all, it is so amazing to me that index futures options trade 24/6

    I notice that the spread on NQ nearest options is proportionately about 3x that of ES. Am I missing something or is there a specific reason for this (volatility?)

    Thanks
     
  2. def

    def Sponsor

    ES underlying ~ 3200
    NQ underlying ~ 8800

    NQ is wider but in percentage terms it is not 3x wider.
     
  3. Thanks. I'm looking at this:

    ES: 3230 CALL 84.50 85.00 spread is 0.5 which is about 0.5/85 0.5% of the contract

    NQ: 8750 CALL 282.25 286.75 spread is 4.5 which is about 4.5/286.75 1.5% of the contract

    Even if you look at the spread as a percentage of the underlying, it's 0.01% (ES) vs 0.05% (NQ).
     
  4. What platform do you use to trade options on e-mini futures?
     
  5. Volatility is another component. Look at the respective VIX's.
     
    nooby_mcnoob likes this.
  6. I figured that was it

    IB haven't really traded though
     
  7. tommcginnis

    tommcginnis

    A bunch of good responses here -- I'll add current volume, though, as a major cause of bid-ask spread. Look at Friday expiries versus Mon or Wed. Look at ES vs NQ vs Rus or Dow -- as traded volume goes down, bid-ask widens.

    So, compare a 3rd Friday ES to any Monday RUT, on a %-of-price basis, and WOW. :wtf:
     
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  8. I think this must be the main one. Not enough volume.
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2019
    tommcginnis likes this.
  9. Looks like the NQ spread shrinks by about 50% during regular trading hours so @tommcginnis was closest. He gets the prize.
     
    tommcginnis likes this.
  10. tommcginnis

    tommcginnis

    :D
     
    #10     Dec 30, 2019
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