Understanding EUREX Volume Spikes

Discussion in 'Trading' started by TD877, Jan 28, 2016.

  1. TD877

    TD877

    I've been looking at data from the past 5 years on EUREX traded futures and can't make sense of the typical high-volume moments seen in most instruments. According to their website, EUREX trading hours are 7:30 - 22:00 CET (1:30 - 16:00 EST).

    http://www.eurexchange.com/exchange...ading-hours/Trading-phases/138614?frag=138620

    However, the largest spikes in volume almost always occur at/near other particular times. Take for instance STOXX EUROPE 50 Index futures (show in attached figure). Spikes in volume most commonly occur around these 4 specific times points

    2:00 EST = the start of EUREX regular trading hours
    3:00 EST = ??? why
    11:30 EST = ??? why
    15:59 EST = the close of EUREX trading hours

    So can anyone explain to me the two middle spikes in volume? It happens on most days. While my example figure is for the EUROPE 50 Index, it also happens for most others like the MDAX, V STOXX mini, EURO STOXX Oil, EURO STOXX banks, etc. Only the DAX future behaves as I would expect (with spikes only at the start and end of trading hours). EUREX volume.jpg
     
  2. Hi TD877 :)

    Eurex opens at 02:00 EST, but for equity index futures (FESX, FDAX...) real volume starts at 03:00 EST. Why ? Because thats the time when most european cash markets start trading (Frankfurt, Paris...).
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_stock_exchange_opening_times

    11:30 EST: many of the european cash markets are closing (probably most important Frankfurt/ Xetra)

    Hope this helps.
    Greetings,
    CALLumbus
     
  3. sakisf

    sakisf

    3:00 EST = London open and Xetra cash market open (9:00 CET)
    11:30 EST = Xetra cash close (17:30 CET)

    http://www.xetra.com/xetra-en/trading/trading-information/trading-hours
     
    TD877 likes this.
  4. TD877

    TD877

    Thanks to you both! I know there had to be some nice explanation.