SP 500 Options

Are there both calls and puts on the SP500 or just puts?

I can't seem to find any data that makes sense as to the strike prices vs. the Futures and call prices seem non existent.

I am in the early stages of a concept and am having a heck of a time getting any good info. The CME site wasn't much help.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks much!!
(pretend as though you are explaining this to a 10 year old!)

 

I don't get options myself, but check this out, calls/puts for S&P march.

http://www2.barchart.com/optqte.asp?sym=SP&code=BSTK&mode=D

 

That helps a bunch!! Thanks!

Any idea where to get the trading symbols for the calls and puts?

 

They must be on the exchange sites somewhere, they use some sort of voodoo to name them

 

Try SPX options. They're options on the S and P 500 cash not the futures but they're priced off the future, listed on the CBOE. I dont think the CME options on the future have retail electronic access.

 

Free live futures options quotes from CME on the mini indexes :

http://eminioptionsrdc.cme.com:443/index.html

Thin right now, but things pick up during the day.

 

IMO its best to trade options on index ETFs, like QQQQ, SPY, DIA.

Smaller spreads, more liquidity, available in all brokers .

 

When I wanted to trade the S&P 500 I traded options on the OEX. Easy and liquid.