Why is margin that high on VIX calendars?

This is with Interactive Brokers.

 

10 IB

20 VIX

If 20 does not work, goto 10.

That's the extent of my BASIC programming skills, heh.

 

You're going to think the answer is strange, but because they are European style it's not treated as a true calendar. You can't exercise the May if the April gets assigned. Same issue with SPX.

 

not European because listed index options would get netted but the fact is they have completely different underlying.

 

https://www.cboe.com/tradable_products/vix/vix_options/specifications/

 

Because those calendars are the most dangerous calendars that you can buy. Some brokers don’t even allow these.
You can lose a lot on the first expiring leg when it goes up a lot, while the 2nd leg may not move too much. You are playing with fire without understanding what you’re doing.

 

your short the front month.. hence the margin

 

7k margin for a silly 1 lot? haha

Even in the front, that's beyond cray cray. To go debit you'd need a 70 handle inversion in the futures. mmmkay

 

Tee one up in an American option and you'll see the huge difference.

 

This is not just about the margin, but about keeping ignorant people away from trading dangerous stuff without understanding it. Some brokers lost $millions by allowing people to trade VIX calendars:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123695294636919681