ntk,
Perhaps the impact of arbing is best understood by thinking about a really thin contract that has a cash market.
Let say 90 trades in the future. The spot market ticks up to 91, then 92, then 95. No trades in the future since 90. The spot market moves up to 96, then 97.
So if you pay market for the future right now what price do you think you will get? 90 or 97? What has gone accross the tape? On market Delta how does the move from 90 to 97 look? Right - like a vaccuum.
That's an extreme example but you see my point?
Hope this helps.
bolter
Perhaps the impact of arbing is best understood by thinking about a really thin contract that has a cash market.
Let say 90 trades in the future. The spot market ticks up to 91, then 92, then 95. No trades in the future since 90. The spot market moves up to 96, then 97.
So if you pay market for the future right now what price do you think you will get? 90 or 97? What has gone accross the tape? On market Delta how does the move from 90 to 97 look? Right - like a vaccuum.
That's an extreme example but you see my point?
Hope this helps.
bolter