Search results

I read on TOS's web site that the total commissions for ES futures(including exchange fees) is $3.50 per side, per contract. The clearing/exchange/BKG/REG/NFA fees for ES futures are $1.16 total. For ES future options, the fees are $0.57 total. So, basically TOS's commission is $2.34 per...

THIS IS CORRECT. I TRADED LIKE THIS, AND EVEN USED PUTS FURTHER OTM. ONE STRONG DOWNWARD MOVE AND THE PUT EXPLODES BECAUSE OF ITS HIGHER VOLATILITY. THEN WHEN THE MARKET REACHES YOUR STRIKE AND BECOMES CHOPPY (AND IT DOES), YOU WILL BE COVERING AND UNCOVERING A FEW TIMES. AS A RESULT ALL OF...

As I stated before, the broker/FCM (in this case IB is both) can set margin requirements HIGHER than the exchange. That is one reason I had to leave IB. Globalfutures follows exchange minimums; probably because they are guaranteed by RCG, one of the strongest and most capitalized FCM's in the...

Thanks. I keep TOS in my favorites, and I am currently papertrading stocks and stock options. If the platform for trading futures and futures options looks as good as TWS, then I will consider moving my account to TOS. I hope TOS enables futures options trading soon.

I have used the IB TWS. Even though I can't stand IB's customer service, I was able to execute all futures options trades without a hike--includes naked shorts, spreads, etc. Does any other broker out there have a platform similiar to IB's TWS for trading futures options? Thanks for your input.

Here is my weekly update. The maintenance margin is currently $6278.00. My profit to date is $638.90. To recap, I placed a short straddle (one contract per side) with the following legs: C1325 ES and P1325 ES. As of Friday's close (4-4-08), the ES settled at 1372.00. I have been toying...

IB does allow you to check the SPAN margin online. If the calls are ATM or ITM, then the maintenance margin is the same for the ES futures, but you have to add the value of the call. OTM options have lower requirements, but you still have to add the value of the option. The basic margin...

I have never requested transfer from broker to broker, for these "delays" happen frequently. Also, I have trust issues. So, what I do is liquidate and have the funds wired to me. When the new account is approved and open, then I wire the funds to the new broker. Extra step and worth avoiding...

Bloomberg is better. I learned something important from a movie called "Broadcast News." The line basically says that newscasters/reporters should just report the news; nobody cares what the newscaster thinks. I agree with this statement. Everyone on CNBC is a commentator and a color...

I am currently using the RCG's RAN platform (introducing broker is Global Futures). I used to use IB, and the execution of spreads, straddles, and any simultaneous orders is better with IB. I think that IB is able to do this, for they are a market maker.

Will/does TOS handle the account like IB's Universal account? Will TOS have a SPAN margin calculator for customers to use? Will TOS sweep cash balances into the stock account for interest and protection? If TOS adopts the best features of IB, then it will destroy IB.

I think that the trend of the VIX is just as important as the absolute value. If the VIX is in a sideways range, you will see tremendous price fluctuation--which is why it is considered a trader's market. If you simply sell a naked put in this environment, you can be easily taken out with a...

Do you know if the mechanics of having a stock equity account, a futures/futures options account and a forex account will be the same as IB? In other words, will "unused" performance bond[futures margin] be swept into the stock equity side? Does TOS pay interest on cash balances like IB? Is...

You get better leverage with the ES than the SPY. The margin requirement for the ES trade is lower, even counting portfolio margin. As far as TOS, I like them for stocks and stock options. I loe GlobalFutures for Futures and Futures options.

Why? Are you afraid of a huge jump to the upside or downside? Are you concerned about the construction spending report? Or the ISM index? The short straddle, based on posted data, has survived worst situations. Like you said, we will see.

Since the thread started by Mark_nyc intrigued me, I wanted to make a weekly post of the short straddle I entered on March 20, 2008. I initially placed the following order, using the ES (s&p 500 emini) futures as the underlying: Sold 1 Call APR08 ES 1325 and sold 1 PUT APR 08 ES 1325. The...