I see there are no options (at least tradeable at IB) to trade the VXN. Is there any easy way to bet on Nasdaq vol without strangles/straddles on NQ? Thanks!
$VXN reflects the prices of $NDX options, mainly puts, so you can simply trade those puts or strangles on the underlying. Or on QQQ or on TQQQ.
You can in theory, replicate the return of cash VXN index by estimating its delta with respect to the underlying index, then you can gain exposure with the estimated delta each day by trading NQ, or the ETFs. It doesn't sound simple, but in reality it's just 1 simple formula in excel.
This is one futures that is exactly want you are looking for and it is NASDAQ 100 VOLATILITY INDEX FUTURES from CME Globex. Unfortunately, out of 6 billion people in this world, just 1 or 2 people are interested in this product resulting in virtually zero volume.
LOL! That will be gone soon, along with OP's hopes and dreams. Trust me, I know the pain. I've had these thing dissapear on me before when I was printing money in them....
I doubt it will disappear. There are thousands of products with virtually zero volume. I guess the Exchanges want to boast how many products they have.
%% Sure is; QQQ + its not a bet + you will not get strangled. Its either profit or loss................................................................................. {EDIT= i dont care how many times WSJ insults capitalism by calling business a bet, simply wrong]