Bruce, I really don't want to raise the devil. I only don't want this type of mkt every holiday, since it would be untradeable, as a long stop order could kill your whole weeks performance. However, it will probably not be possible that this happens again, because the arbs will now modify their programs, maybe put in some human intervention, some kind of countermeasure against YM mistrade spikes. I doubt it is possible to do this in other US markets, like the bonds.
I wrote theoretically. In practice, you will use some program for size trading. BTW: r u sure it is 250 ?
As I read it he agrees with you and references examples of futures exchange members having clout. I agree with you too, especially what you say about selling 100 YM at market on a holiday. Its just too odd.
Saschabr, An 'invisible hand' effect ensues from the cooperation of individuals in a collective endeavor. Let's say, the futures market. Everyone is, more or less, acting in their own self interest. As the market filters these motivations price fluctuations occur. Some individuals, who have correctly understood the market dynamic, profit from these fluctuations. No one knows, exactly, what will occur. Because what occurs is a product of all participants. This is the invisible hand. The book, "High Treason" pulled several conspiracy theories concerning JFK's assassination in Dallas, TX, together. I read the book. Knowing the truth, or even the part of the truth that book exposed, has made me no freer today than I was before I read it. The same is true of your market manipulation theory. I admire your ability to think through the scenario and to expose what may lie behind the 'official story'. However, as has occurred in the past, the official story is what most participants will read, laugh about, and forget. Bruce
I thought the CME lifted the 250 cars limit... After posting the above, I went to the CME website. Nitro, you're correct. You can buy/sell all you want, but limit for one trade is 250. An order for any quantity may be accepted for E-mini outright futures. However, Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) requires that orders in excess of 250 contracts be entered into the GLOBEX® system as multiple entries, the quantity of any single entry not to exceed 250 contracts. I.e., customers could convey and brokers could accept GLOBEX orders of any quantity. However, they must be entered onto the GLOBEX system as a series of entries- no single one of which may exceed 250 contracts. During pit trading hours, orders for 31 or more contracts may be traded on an All-or-None (AON) basis via open outcry for the E-mini S&P 500 and E-mini NASDAQ-100 contracts.
Bruce, I see. If you are interested in this kind of stuff, really, try to get some information how the market is continously manipulated. The TTE is really cool stuff. Try getting info on it, it's too complex, will not desc. it here. Pit locals use several kinds tricks to generate momentum during low volume phases towards points they know where the bigger orders are. They take care of fibo and gann traders, know where these guys will buy or sell. This all is why many say midday doldrums are "untradeable". The market is full of manipulation, if you do it good, you can also profit off this.