Quote from TGM:
Futurestrader71,
That is good to hear. I heard EurexUS is going to roll out a Russell 1000 to compete with the spoo? That makes sense to me.
Wish they would roll it out sooner tho. The CME is milking my ass on fees. I could give a hoot if it is liquid etc on the Eurex USA. The threat alone will knock some sense into the CME. I hate to bitch. Badge or no badge the CME has GAUGED my eyes out with fees over the years. RIDICULOUS! I think they actually RELISH gauging traders.
Another thing, the CME needs to take off the protocol and kill the big spoo in the pit. I think that may bring back a little vol with institutions putting up 10,000.
I am a member of the CME just so I can get those lower rates and avoid the NFA fee of $0.06 per RT. I hear you on the fees; competition is always healthy. I am also a member of the CBOT and feel that, although EurexUS has put some pressure on the notes/bonds, it is beneficial overall to the members.
I don't believe the exchanges' fees are an attempt to gauge traders. I think it is just a marketing tool to enhance the value of membership. With membership, you get commitment of the traders to that exchange. It also theoretically helps keep an orderly market by making those who participate in volume really take that market seriously.
Now, this is just an attempt at explaining my perception of the logic behind those fee structures. I am neither for nor against it. I do believe in healthy competition though and EurexUS might provide that depending on their selection of products and the kind of traders that trade them.
If you do enough volume on the CME that you feel that you are being ripped by the exchange, you might want to seriously consider starting an LLC (costs only around $350 or so to set one up) and trading under an ECM (free membership until October 2005). The fee will be $0.88 + commission (which shouldn't be more than $0.60 per roundturn). You will avoid the NFA fee and will reduce your cost dramatically.
It depends on your situation. It amazes me how big a gap in fees there is between members and non-members. As competition grows and more people trade electronic futures, this gap will get narrower just as it is with the CBOT. Once those gaps are too narrow, I will find something else to trade. It is a sign that there isn't much edge left in that market.
Good luck and happy trading.