Originally posted by matthew
They have they potential to be another vehicle for hedging, whether they'll be a replacement remains to be seen.
Currently you can create a synthetic futures position in the options by buying an at the money call and selling an at the money put against it, or vice versa. In theory you should be able to effect the same trade in SSF's with lower transaction costs. The two questions right now are what the regulatory framework is(we're still waiting), and then, what will the liquidity be like.
I wish I could give you better answers, but too many things are still up in the air.
Potential? Yes. Will they? Excellent question.